Imaging transfer system and process for transferring image and non-image areas thereof to a receptor element

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to an imaging system, which comprises a support having a front and rear surface, at least one layer of microcapsules or at least one layer of microcapsules and developer in the same layer or at least one layer of microcapsules and developer in separate layers, on said front surface of the support, wherein the microcapsules or developer or microcapsules and developer are dispersed in a carrier of the invention, said carrier is capable of transferring and adhering developed image and non-image areas from said front surface of said support upon the application of heat energy to the rear surface of the support, said carrier strips from said front surface of the support by liquefying and releasing from said support when heated, said liquefied carrier providing adherence to a receptor element by flowing onto said receptor element and solidifying thereon, said adherence does not require an external adhesive layer, with the proviso that the carrier is not capable of reacting to form an image, and when the microcapsules are present together in the same layer as the carrier, the carrier has a particle size which is the same as or smaller than that of the microcapsules, and an optional protective layer of clear thermoplastic.

The contents of Provisional Application U.S. Ser. No. 60/030,933 filedNov. 15, 1996, on which the present application is based and benefit isclaimed under 35 U.S.C. 119(e) is herein incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a transfer element, preferably usingCYCOLOR or THERMO-AUTOCHROME technology, and to a method of transferringdeveloped image areas and non-image areas to a receptor element.

2. Description of the Prior Art

CYCOLOR technology provides full color imaging generally associated withphotography. With CYCOLOR technology, for example, a polyester base maybe coated with light-sensitive microcapsules called cyliths, which aresensitive to red, green and blue light. Each cylith resembles awater-filled balloon and is about one-tenth the diameter of a humanhair. The cyliths contain a liquid monomer in which is dissolved a lightsensitive photoinitiator and a color forming substance called a leucodye.

The support (e.g., polyester) is exposed to light transmitted through orreflected from an original color image. The resulting latent imageresembles the negative used in conventional photography. Exposure tolight hardens the cyliths in proportion to the amount of exposure,rendering them resistant to physical rupture. Thus, the latent image isa pattern of hard (exposed) and soft (unexposed) cyliths.

The final image is developed by bringing the cyliths into contact with asheet of CYCOLOR paper or transparency. Full color is obtained by mixingthree different types of cyliths and coating them on a support (e.g.,polyester). Each of the three types of cyliths contain either a cyan,magenta or yellow leuco dye, along with photoinitiators that aresensitive respectively to red, green or blue light. Exposure to redlight hardens the capsules containing the cyan dye. Pressure developmentresults in the release of magenta and yellow dyes which mix to form ared image. Exposure to green light controls the magenta dye. Pressuredevelopment results in the cyan and yellow dyes mixing to form a greenimage. Blue light controls the yellow dye. Pressure development resultsin the mixing of the cyan and magenta dyes to form a blue image.Exposure of all cyliths (white light) results in non color (white ornon-image area) and exposure of none of the cyliths results in black.Any color can be reproduced by controlling the relative proportion ofthe three dyes.

Applications of CYCOLOR technology include use in color copiers to makecolor copies, or this technology may be used to create hard copy printsfrom 35 mm slides. Other applications include use with color computerprinters to provide prints from computer systems. CYCOLOR technologyalso works with digital imaging techniques by providing hard copies ofimages produced by electronic cameras.

Provisional application 60/029,917 requires that the silver halidelight-sensitive grains are dispersed within a carrier which functions asa transfer layer, and does not have a separate transfer layer.Provisional application 60/056,446 requires that the silver halidetransfer element has a separate transfer layer. Provisional application60/030,933 relates to a transfer element using Cycolor technology, buthaving no separate transfer layer.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,751,165 discloses an imaging system which provides animaging sheet and a layer of microcapsules containing a photosensitivecomposition and a color former. However, the developed image andnon-image areas thereof are not capable of being simultaneouslytransferred to a receptor element.

Accordingly, imaging systems based on photosensitive encapsulates areknown. U.S. Pat. No. 3,219,446 by Berman discloses the selected transferof dye to a copy sheet. U.S. Pat. No. 3,700,439 by Phillips discloses aphotocopy process involving development of capsules without transfer.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,771,032 discloses a thermo-autochrome system, which is adirect thermal full color hardcopy system involving thermal mediacapable of producing color images with the use of microcapsules.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,139,917 discloses an imaging system wherein thedeveloped image and non-image areas are transferred to a receptorelement by a separate transfer coating layer. Unlike the imaging systemof U.S. Pat. No. 5,139,917, the imaging system of the invention does nothave a separate transfer coating layer.

Provisional application titled “IMAGING TRANSFEF SYSTEM AND PROCESS FORTRANSFERRING LIGHT-FIXABLE THERMAL IMAGE TO A RECEPTOR ELEMENT”(Inventors—Donald S. Hare and Scott Williams; appln Ser. No. 08/970,424filed on Nov. 14, 1997, relates to transferring thermo-autochromematerials with a separate transfer layer.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, the present invention is directed t an imaging system whichcomprises, a support having front and rear surface, at least one layerof (e.g. photosensitive or thermal-sensitive ) microcapsules, or atleast one layer of (e.g. photosensitive or thermal-sensitive)microcapsules and developer (e.g. generally for photosensitivemicrocapsules) in the same layer, or at least one layer of (e.g.photosensitive or thermal-sensitive) microcapsules and developer inseparate layers, on said front surface of the support, wherein saidmicrocapsules, or developer or both are dispersed in the carrier of theinvention, said carrier preferably having a melting point of at least100° C., and which is capable of transferring and adhering developedimage and non-image areas from said front surface of said support uponthe application of heat energy to the rear surface of the support, saidcarrier strips from said front surface of the support by liquefying andreleasing from said support when heated, said liquefied carrierproviding adherence to a receptor element by flowing onto said receptorelement and solidifying thereon, said adherence does not require anexternal (e.g. surface) adhesive layer and preferably occurs in an areaat least coextensive with the area of said microcapsules, with theproviso that the carrier is not capable of reacting (e.g. with a colorprecursor) to form an image, and an optional layer of clearthermoplastic material. Preferably, the particle size of the carrier isthe same as or smaller than that of the microcapsules, for example, from1-20 micrometers.

The present invention also relates to a method of applying an image to areceptor element, which comprises the steps of:

(a) exposing imagewise the imaging element described above,

(b) developing the imagewise exposed element to form an image,

(c) positioning the front surface of said developed element (orpositioning the undeveloped element prior to development) against saidreceptor element, and

(d) applying energy (e.g heat) to the rear surface of the element totransfer the developed image and non-image area to said receptorelement.

The receptor element may be textile, leather, ceramic, wool, glass orplastic. Preferably, the receptor element is a shirt or the like. Othersuitable receptor surfaces include canvas, paper, glass, or receptorsupports used by the museum or conservatory industry. Energy applied tothe rear surface of the element is heat and/or pressure (e.g viaironing).

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will become more fully understood from thedetailed description given hereinbelow, and the accompanying drawingswhich are given by way of illustration only, and thus are not limitativeof the present invention, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of the preferred embodiment of animaging sheet or element of the present invention; and

FIG. 2 illustrates the step of ironing the imaging sheet or element ontoa tee shirt or the like.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The term “encapsulated” refers to both so-called resin dispersion oropen phase systems in which the internal phase containing a chromogenicmaterial is dispersed as droplets throughout a dispersing medium (e.g.carrier) and systems in which the capsule is formed with a discretecapsular wall, the latter encapsulation typically being in the form ofmicrocapsule. The term “microcapsule” includes both microcapsules havingdiscrete walls and microcapsules within a so-called open phase systemcomprising a dispersion of the internal phase constituents in a binder.“Pressure rupturable capsules” are, accordingly, considered to exist ineither of these “encapsulated” systems. Furthermore, while the capsulesare described herein as “pressure rupturable” means other than pressuremay be used to rupture them (e.g. heat).

The term “actinic radiation” includes the entire electromagneticspectrum including ultraviolet (U.V.) and infrared (I.R.) radiation.

The (e.g. photosensitive) microcapsules used in the present inventioncan be prepared as described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,751,165, 4,399,209,4,440,846, 4,842,980, 4,772,530, 4,772,541, 4,482,624 and 4,771,032.

Typically, CYCOLOR copiers/printers utilize a paper containing a vastnumber of colored microcapsules which, when exposed to varying degreesof energy (e.g. heat, light or pressure) form a color image. In thepresent invention a carrier for the microcapsules is coated on the basesupport layer. As a result of the invention, the carrier will releaseunder energy (e.g. heat) and carry the image and non-image areas to thereceptor (e.g. textile) in washproof color.

Furthermore, in a further representative use of CYCOLOR technology twosheets of paper are required. A color encapsulated “donor” roll marriesa second paper at the point of light/heat. The donor sheet comprises asupport and a top coating containing image (e.g. color) formingmicrocapsules optionally embedded in the carrier of the invention,wherein the “latent” image is transferred to a receptor sheet comprisinga support and a developer containing layer comprising developer and thecarrier of the invention. As a result of the invention, the developedimage and non-image areas may then be transferred to a receptor element(e.g. textile).

Therefore, in a single self-contained imaging sheet comprising asupport, at least one layer of image 35 forming microcapsules, plusoptional developer in the same or different layer, and carrier of theinvention combined with at least the microcapsules or developer or both,and optional layer of clear thermoplastic, the image and non-image areasmay be directly transferred to a receptor element (e.g. textile). In atwo sheet system, the sheet ultimately containing the developed imageshould have the carrier of the invention so that the image and non-imageareas may be directly transferred to the receptor element.

A representative imaging sheet of the invention is based on the imagingsheet of U.S. Pat. No. 4,751,165 except that it incorporates the carrierof the present invention. This imaging sheet is set forth in FIG. 1 andis generally represented by reference numeral 10. The imaging sheet 10includes a support 12 and a photosensitive layer 14 containing thecarrier of the invention on one surface thereof. The layer 14 includesphotosensitive microcapsules 16 and a developer resin (e.g., phenolic)18 embedded in the instant carrier.

The microcapsules 16 and developer resin 18 do not need to be coated inthe same layer, but can be coated in contiguous layers with themicrocapsules underlying or overlying a layer of the developer resin.However, at least one of these layers must contain the instant carrier.The support 12 may be a polymeric film. If the support 12 istransparent, the imaging sheet can be exposed from either surface. Thedeveloper layer 18 is not necessarily a film but may consist of finelydivided dispersion particles, optionally including the instant carrier.Similarly, developer layer 18 is not necessarily contiguous but may beinterrupted by pores or capillaries.

Techniques for exposing and developing the above described imaging sheet10 are known in the art (se FIG. 2 of U.S. Pat. No. 4,751,165).

The mechanism whereby the microcapsules rupture and release the internalphase is explained in more detail in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,751,165 and4,399,209. Exposure alone or in conjunction with heating effects achange in the viscosity of the internal phase such that the internalphase is differentially released from the microcapsules in the exposedand unexposed areas upon subsequent application of rupture and transferforce.

After exposure, the imaging sheet 10 is developed alone or is assembledwith the receptor element prior to development. The imaging sheet isdeveloped by applying a rupturing force such as with pressure rollers.

The imaging sheet/receptor element assembly is heated to melt thecarrier coating so that the image and non-image areas are transferred tothe receptor element.

The color former reacts with the developer to produce a visible dyeimage. The entire image and non-image area is transferred to thereceptor element. This is contrary to the teachings of U.S. Pat. No.4,751,165, wherein the image areas selectively adhere to the paper whilethe non-image areas remain attached to the support.

Full color imaging systems are described in more detail in U.S. Pat. No.4,842,976.

Representative developer containing resins include phenolic developerresins, as described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,751,165.

The developer-containing resin and microcapsule composition can becoated using conventional coating techniques such as blade coating, rollcoating, etc.

The photosensitive composition may comprise photohardenable orphotosoftenable compositions Examples of both are provided in U.S. Pat.No. 4,399,209.

In one embodiment of the invention full color images are formed. In thisembodiment, the photosensitive layer 14 contains a mixture ofmicrocapsules having distinct wavelength sensitivities and containingcyan, magenta, yellow and optionally black color formers. See U.S. Pat.No. 4,751,165 and 4,842,976. The microcapsules are mixed and coated witha developer-containing resin as described above, plus carrier of theinvention. If the microcapsules are respectively sensitive to red,green, and blue light, the imaging sheet can be exposed by directtransmission or reflection imaging. In most cases, however, themicrocapsules have distinct sensitivities in the ultraviolet spectrum.In this case, color separation or image processing is required to exposethe imaging sheet. Using color separations, the imaging sheet is exposedto three distinct bands of ultraviolet radiation through the colorseparation in order to control the release and transfer of the cyan,magenta, and yellow color formers. Alternatively, a color image isresolved into its red, green, blue, and optionally black components eachof which is then respectively electronically translated into radiationto which the photosensitive composition associated with thecomplimentary color former is sensitive. The exposure device willcontrol three or four distinct bands of radiation which may be emittedfrom a single radiation source or a plurality of sources. For example, aDunn or matrix camera may be used to produce electronic signalscorresponding to the cyan, magenta, and yellow (and optionally black)images that are desired. This output drives the electronic control meansfor ar exposure device which may include a conventional multiplexerlogic package and timing means. The exposure device selectively drives aradiation source to which the microcapsules on the imaging sheet aresensitive and thereby image-wise exposes the imaging sheet. Variousimaging apparatuses are described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,751,165.

The receptor surface for the image and non-image areas is preferably atextile such as a shirt (e.g., tee shirt) or the like. However, anyreceptor capable of receiving the imaging material (e.g. image andnon-image areas) of the imaging sheet and imparting the desiredwashproof properties is within the scope of the invention. Othersuitable receptor surfaces include canvas, wool, plastic, ceramic,leather, paper, glass or receptor supports used by the museum orconservatory industry.

The imaging sheet comprises a suitable support or substrate which may beany type of known material ordinarily used as a support for imagingmaterials (e.g. paper, plastic coated papers, PET resins, etc.). Thecarrier material capable of holding developed image and non-image areaswhich can then be transferred to a receptor surface is coated on thesupport or substrate with either microcapsules or developer, or both.

One requirement of a suitable carrier of the invention is that it adherestrongly to fibrous supports, and optionally to glassy supports.Moreover, the carrier of the invention must not necessarily be entirely“inert”. That is, since the life of a transferred product (e.g. imagetransferred to a tee shirt) is measured in months or years rather thandecades, adverse affect on image stability is not consideredproblematic. This expected short life of the ultimate product allows forthe selection of less expensive materials. Further, other properties maybe similarly reoptimized, if necessary, in view of the expected shortlife of the product.

The carrier of the invention must also be capable of transfer from thesupport (e.g. imaging sheet) and adherence to a receptor support withoutthe requirement of a separate surface adhesive layer. Without beingbound by any theory, upon back surface heating of the support, thecarrier would undergo a solid to solution phase transition resulting ina transfer to the receiving layer. Edge to edge adhesion, to thereceiving layer, would occur upon cooling of the carrier onto thereceiving layer. Upon cooling, an image layer would be completelytransferred onto the receiving element. The carrier of the inventionprovides mechanical and thermal stability, as well as washability.

The carrier should provide a colorfast image (e.g. washproof or washresistant) when transferred to the receptor surface. That is, uponwashing the receptor element (e.g. tee shirt), the image should remainintact on the receptor element.

Suitable carriers of the invention are exemplified below. However, it iseasy to screen for suitable carriers without undue experimentation inview of the performance criteria discussed in this application. Forinstance, see the Examples discussed below for suitable screeningprotocol. Further, the carriers of the invention may be mixed withconventional carriers so long as the amount of conventional carrier doesnot adversely affect the transfer properties of the carrier.

The clear thermoplastic protective material of the invention includes,for instance, vinyl resins such as ethylene/vinyl acetate copolymers,resin esters, vinyl alcohol/vinyl acetate copolymers, vinyl alkylether/maleic anhydride copolymers, polyvinyl chloride, vinylchloride/vinyl acetate copolymers and the like, acrylic resins such aspolyethyl acrylate, polybutyl methacrylate, polymethyl cyanoacrylate andthe like, styrene resins, polyamide resins and waxes. The selectedthermoplastic material should liquify under heat/pressure duringtransfer and resolidify when cool. This material protects againstabrasion and inadvertent exposure to water.

Suitable carrier materials include the compositions from U.S. Pat. Nos.5,501,902, 5,271,990 an 5,242,739. The contents of U.S. Pat. Nos.5,501,902, 5,271,990 and 5,242,739 are herein incorporated by reference.These patents are discussed in turn hereinbelow.

The carrier of the present invention utilizes the materials of thesecond layer of U.S. Pat. No. 5,501,902.

The carrier preferably includes particles of a thermoplastic polymerhaving dimensions of from about 1 to about 50 micrometers, preferablyabout 1 to about 20 micrometers. The particles will more preferably havedimensions of from about 2 to about 10 micrometers. In general, thethermoplastic polymer can be any thermoplastic polymer which meets thecriteria set forth herein. Desirably, the powdered thermoplastic polymerwill be selected from the group consisting of polyolefins, polyesters,and ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers.

The carrier also includes from about 10 to about 50 weight percent of afilm-forming binder, based on the weight of the thermoplastic polymer.Desirably, the amount of binder will be from about 10 to about 30 weightpercent. In general, any film-forming binder may be employed which meetsthe criteria set forth herein. When the second layer includes a cationicpolymer, a nonionic or cationic dispersion or solution may be employedas the binder. Suitable binders include polyacrylates, polyethylenes,and ethylenevinyl acetate copolymers. The latter are particularlydesired because of their stability in the presence of cationic polymers.The binder desirably will be heat softenable at temperatures of about120° Celsius or lower.

The basis weight of the carrier layer may vary as desired, butpreferably the carrier is cumulatively present amongst all the layers inan amount from about 5 to about 30 g/m². Desirably, the basis weightwill be from about 10 to about 20 g/m². The carrier layer(s) can beapplied to the support, either directly or over another layer, by meanswell known to those having ordinary skill in the art. For example, thelayer may be applied by curtain coating, Meyer rod, air knife, andgravure coating, by way of illustration only.

When the imaging element is intended to be used as a heat-transfermaterial, the carrier will have a melting point of from about 65 toabout 180 degrees Celsius. The term “melts” and variations thereof areused herein only in a qualitative sense and are not meant to refer toany particular test procedure. Reference herein to a melting temperatureor range is meant only to indicate an approximate temperature or rangeat which a polymer or binder melts and flows under the conditions of amelt-transfer process to result in a substantially smooth film.

Manufacturers' published data regarding the melt behavior of polymers orbinders correlate with the melting requirements described herein. Itshould be noted, however, that either a true melting point or asoftening point may be given, depending on the nature of the material.For example, materials such a polyolefins and waxes, being composedmainly of linear polymeric molecules, generally melt over a relativelynarrow temperature range since they are somewhat crystalline below themelting point.

Melting points, if not provided by the manufacturer, are readilydetermined by known methods such as differential scanning calorimetry.Many polymers, and especially copolymers, are amorphous because ofbranching in the polymer chains or the side-chain constituents. Thesematerials begin to soften and flow more gradually as the temperature isincreased. It is believed that the ring and ball softening point of suchmaterials, as determined by ASTM E-28, is useful in predicting theirbehavior. Moreover, the melting points or softening points described arebetter indicators of performance than the chemical nature of the polymeror binder.

When the material is intended to be used as a heat-transfer material,the carrier desirably also will contain from about 2 to about 20 weightpercent of a cationic polymer, based on the weight of the thermoplasticpolymer. The cationic polymer may be, for example, anamide-epichlorohydrin polymer, polyacrylamides with cationic functionalgroups, polyethyleneimines, polydiallylamines, and the like. When acationic polymer is present, a compatible binder should be selected. Thebinder desirably will be a nonionic binder, either in the form of asolution or a nonionic or cationic dispersion or emulsion. As is wellknown in the paper coating art, many commercially available binders haveanionically charged particles or polymer molecules. These materials aregenerally not compatible with the cationic polymer which may be used inthe present invention.

One or more other components may be used in the carrier. For example,the carrier may contain from about 1 to about 20 weight percent of ahumectant, based on the weight of the thermoplastic polymer. Desirably,the humectant will be selected from the group consisting of ethyleneglycol and poly(ethylene glycol). The poly(ethylene glycol) typicallywill have a weight average molecular weight of from about 100 to about40,000. A poly(ethylene glycol) having a weight-average molecular weightof from about 200 to about 800 is particularly useful.

The carrier also may contain from about 0.2 to about 10 weight percentof a fluid (e.g. ink) viscosity modifier, based on the weight of thethermoplastic polymer. The viscosity modifier desirably will be apoly(ethylene glycol) having a weight-average molecular weight of fromabout 100,000 to about 2,000,000. The poly(ethylene glycol) desirablywill have a weight-average molecular weight of from about 100,000 toabout 600,000.

Other components which may be present in the carrier layer include fromabout 0.1 to about 5 weight percent of a weak acid and from about 0.5 toabout 5 weight percent of a surfactant, both based on the weight of thethermoplastic polymer. A particularly useful weak acid is citric acid.The term “weak acid” is used herein to mean an acid having adissociation constant less than one (or a negative log of thedissociation constant greater than 1).

The surfactant may be an anionic, a nonionic, or a cationic surfactant.When a cationic polymer is present in the carrier, the surfactant shouldnot be an anionic surfactant.

Desirably, the surfactant will be a nonionic or cationic surfactant.However, in the absence of the cationic polymer, an anionic surfactantmay be used, if desired. Examples of anionic surfactants include, amongothers, linear and branched-chain sodium alkylbenzenesulfonates, linearand branched-chain alkyl sulfates, and linear and branched-chain alkylethoxy sulfates. Cationic surfactant include, by way of illustration,tallow trimethylammonium chloride Examples of nonionic surfactants,include, again by way of illustration only, alkyl polyethoxylates,polyethoxylated alkylphenols, fatty acid ethanol amides, complexpolymers of ethylene oxide, propylene oxide, and alcohols, andpolysiloxane polyethers. More desirably, the surfactant will be anonionic surfactant.

For heat transfer applications, the material of the invention mayoptionally have a melt-transfer layers located above the support andbelow the layers containing microcapsules, developer or both. Such amelt-transfer film layer typically comprises a film forming binder, asalready described, or other polymer. The layer desirably is applied byextrusion coating, but other methods also may be used. The melt-transferfilm layer desirably is formed from a polyethylene or a copolymer ofethylene with acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, vinyl acetate, or acrylicacid esters such as ethyl acrylate. The polymer desirably will have amelt flow rate of at least about 30 grams per 10 minutes (g/10 minutes),as determined in accordance with ASTM Method D-1238, although the meltflow rate may be as high as about 4,000 g/10 minutes. More desirably,the melt flow rate of the polymer will be from about 300 to about 700g/10 minutes. The basis weight of the melt-transfer film layer desirablywill be from about 10 to about 50 grams per square meter (g/m²), with abasis weight of from about 30 to about 50 being more desired.

A release layer may be included, either in place of or in addition tothe melt-transfer film layer. In the former instance, the release layerwill be placed above the support and below the microcapsule containinglayer(s). In the latter instance, the release layer will be placedbetween the support and the melt-transfer film layer. The release layerdesirably will be a low molecular weight ethylene-acrylic acid copolymerapplied from an aqueous dispersion. The melt flow rate of theethylene-acrylic acid copolymer desirably will be at least about 200g/10 minutes, more desirably from about 800 to about 1,200 g/10 minutes.Such dispersion also may contain a paraffin wax, which is mixed as anemulsion with the ethylene-acrylic acid copolymer dispersion. Theparaffin wax emulsion can be any of those which are commerciallyavailable, such as Chemwax ®40 (Chematron, Inc., Charlotte, N.C.). Theratio of paraffin wax to the copolymer may vary from 0 to about 4, witha ratio of about 1 being more desirable. The basis weight of the releaselayer desirably will be from about 2 to about 20 g/m², more desirablyfrom about 6 to about 10 g/m². The release coating as described meltseasily and provides easy release from the first layer for hand ironingof images onto a fabric; such characteristic is especially useful ifheating of the image is irregular, which is not atypical of hand-ironingtechniques.

The various layers of the imaging material are formed by known coatingtechniques, such as by roll, blade, curtain coating and air-knifecoating procedures. The resulting material, then is dried by means of,for example, steam-heated drums, air impingement, radiant heating, orsome combination thereof. Some care must be exercised, however, toassure that drying temperatures are sufficiently low so that theparticles of thermoplastic polymer present in the carrier layer do notmelt during the drying process (e.g. air impingement for 5 minutes ormore at 800 Celsius).

Heat transfer of an image in the imaging material of the presentinvention may be by any known means, such as by a hand-held iron or aheat transfer press. The transfer temperature typically will be fromabout 120° to about 205° Celsius, for from about 5 seconds to about 2minutes.

Accordingly, the carrier of the invention may comprise particles of athermoplastic polymer preferably having dimensions of from about 1 toabout 50 micrometers, preferably about 1 to about 20 micrometers, andmore preferably from about 2 to about 10 micrometers, from about 10 toabout 50 weight percent of a film-forming binder, based on the weight ofthe thermoplastic polymer, and from about 0.2 to about 10 weight percentof a viscosity modifier, based on the weight of the thermoplasticpolymer.

The carrier preferably has a melting point of more than 100° C. and morepreferably from about 100 to about 180 degrees Celsius. The carrier mayalso contain from about 2 to about 20 weight percent of a cationicpolymer, based on the weight of the thermoplastic polymer. The carriermay also contain from about 1 to about 20 weight percent of a humectant,based on the weight of the thermoplastic polymer. The humectant may be(1) ethylene glycol or (2) polyethylene glycol (e.g. having aweight-average molecular weight of from about 100 to about 40,000,preferably about 200 to about 800).

The viscosity modifier may be a polyethylene glycol having a weightaverage molecular weight of from 100,000 to about 2,000,000, preferablyfrom about 100,000 to about 600,000. The viscosity modifier may be lowor high viscosity methyl cellulose or polyvinyl alcohol.

The carrier may also include about 0.1 to about 5 weight percent of aweak acid, based on the weight of the thermoplastic polymer. The carriermay also include about 0.5 to about 5 weight percent of a surfactant(e.g. nonionic or cationic), based on the weight of the thermoplasticpolymer.

A release layer is optionally interposed between the support and thelayers containing carrier of the invention.

The carrier preferably melts above 100° C., more preferably, from about100 to about 180 degrees Celsius and may comprise particles of athermoplastic polymer having dimensions of about 1 to about 20micrometers, more preferably from about 2 to about 10 micrometers, fromabout 10 to about 50 weight percent of a film-forming binder, based onthe thermoplastic polymer, and from about 2 to about 20 weight percentof a cationic polymer, based on the weight of the thermoplastic polymer.

The carrier may further comprise from about 1 to about 20 weight percentof a humectant, based on the weight of the thermoplastic polymer (andoptionally from about 0.2 to about 10 weight percent of a fluid (e.g.ink) viscosity modifier, based on the weight of the thermoplasticpolymer), and from 0.5 to about 5 weight percent of a surfactant, basedon the weight of the thermoplastic polymer.

The carrier of the present invention also utilizes the materials of theimage receptive melt-transfer film layer of U.S. Pat. No. 5,271,990.

The carrier may be comprised of a thermoplastic polymer which preferablymelts at above 100° C., and preferably in the range of from about 100 toabout 180 degrees Celsius (° C.). In another embodiment, thethermoplastic polymer melts in the range of from about 100° C. to about120° C.

The nature of the thermoplastic polymer (e.g. carrier) is not known tobe critical, but generally it should be inert (e.g. not adverselyaffecting the properties relating to the image). That is, any knownthermoplastic polymer can be employed so long as it meets the criteriaspecified herein (e.g. image life of months or years rather thandecades). Preferably, the thermoplastic polymer is selected from thegroup consisting of polyolefins, polyesters, and ethylene-vinyl acetatecopolymers, preferably having a particle size of less than 50,preferably less than 20 and more preferably less than 10 micrometers.

If desired, as already noted, the imaging material containing thecarrier of the invention may optionally have a melt-transfer film layer.In this instance, the melt-transfer film layer overlays the top surf aceof the base sheet and the microcapsule layers overlays the melt transferfilm layer.

In general, the melt-transfer film layer is comprised of a firstthermoplastic polymer and the microcapsule containing layers arecomprised of a second thermoplastic polymer, each of which meltspreferably above 100° C., and preferably in the range of from about 100°C. to about 180° C. Preferably, the first thermoplastic polymer isselected from the group consisting of polyolefins, polyesters,ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers, ethylene-methacrylic acid copolymers,and ethylene-acrylic acid copolymers. In addition, the secondthermoplastic polymer preferably is selected from the group consistingof polyolefins, polyesters, and ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers.

The term “melts” and variations thereof are used herein only in aqualitative sense and are not meant to refer to any particular testprocedure. Reference herein to a melting temperature or range is meantonly to indicate an approximate temperature or range at which athermoplastic polymer melts and flows under film forming conditions toresult in a substantially smooth film.

The carrier may comprise a thermoplastic polymer selected from the groupconsisting of polyolefins, polyesters, and ethylene-vinyl acetatecopolymers and which melts preferably above 100° C., and preferably inthe range of from about 100 to about 180 degrees Celsius, and preferablyin the range of about 100 to about 120 degrees Celsius.

An example of the carrier of the invention is Elvax 3200 supplied by E.I. Du Pont de Nemours & Company, Inc., Polymer Products Department,Ethylene Polymers Division, Wilmington, Del. Elvax 3200 is anethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer containing approximately 25% vinylacetate and modified with wax. It has a melt index of 32 g/10 minutes.Another carrier of the invention is Surlyn 1702 also supplied by DuPont.Surlyn 1702 is an ionomer consisting of a cross-linkedethylene-methacrylic acid copolymer having a melt index of 14 g/10minutes. These carriers may be utilized separately or together.

The carrier of the present invention also utilizes the materials of theimage-receptive melt-transfer film layer of U.S. Pat. No. 5,242,739.

The carrier may comprise from about 15 to about 80 percent by weight ofa film-forming binder selected from the group consisting ofethylene-acrylic acid copolymers, polyolefins, and waxes and from about85 to about 20 percent by weight of a powdered thermoplastic polymerselected from the group consisting of polyolefins, polyesters,polyamides, waxes, epoxy polymers, ethylene-acrylic acid copolymers, andethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers, wherein each of said film-formingbinder and said powdered thermoplastic polymer melts about 100° C.,preferably in the range of from about 100 to about 180 degrees Celsiusand said powdered thermoplastic is of particles which are from about 1to about 50 micrometers, preferably about 1 to about 20 micrometers indiameter.

Thus, the carrier comprises from about 15 to about 80 percent by weightof a film-forming binder and from about 85 to about 20 percent by weightof a powdered thermoplastic polymer. Each of the film-forming binder andpowdered thermoplastic polymer melts above 100° C., preferably in therange of from about 100 to about 180 degrees Celsius (° C.). Inaddition, the powdered thermoplastic polymer is preferably composed ofparticles having-diameters of from about 1 to about 20 micrometers.

In other embodiments, each of the film-forming binder and powderedthermoplastic polymer preferably melt above 100° C., preferably in therange of from about 100° C. to about 120° C.

The function of the powdered thermoplastic polymer

is to assist in the transferring of an image to a fabric, both in termsof ease of transfer and the permanence of the transferred image.

The nature of the film-forming binder is not known to be critical. Thatis, any film-forming binder can be employed so long as it meets thecriteria specified herein. In preferred embodiments, the film-formingbinder has, at the transfer temperature, a lower melt viscosity than thepowdered thermoplastic polymer. As a practical matter, water-dispersibleethylene-acrylic acid copolymers have been found to be especiallyeffective film forming binders.

In general, the powdered thermoplastic polymer can be any thermoplasticpolymer which meets the criteria set forth herein. Preferably, thepowdered thermoplastic polymer is selected from the group consisting ofpolyolefins, polyesters, and ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers.

The powdered thermoplastic polymer flow partially into the fiber matrixof the fabric to which an image is being transferred. The result is afabric having an image which does not render the fabric stiff. Moreover,the image itself is neither rubbery nor rough to the feel and is stableto repeated washings.

If desired, as already noted, the imaging material containing thecarrier of the invention may optionally have a melt-transfer film layer.In this instance, the melt-transfer film layer overlays the top surfaceof the base sheet and the imaging layers overlay the melt-transfer filmlayer.

The melt-transfer film layer comprises a film-forming binder as alreadydescribed. The image-receptive film layer preferably comprises fromabout 15 to about 80 percent by weight of a film-forming binder (e.g.ethylene-acrylic acid copolymers; polyolefins and waxes which melt inthe range of about 65 to about 180 degrees Celsius). The melt transferlayer may also contain from about 85 to about 20 percent by weight of apowdered thermoplastic polymer, each of which are as already defined.

As a general rule, the amount of powdered thermoplastic polymer employedcan be reduced if larger particle sizes are employed. However, it isbelieved that the smaller the thermoplastic bead, the better. Particlesizes are 1-50 micrometers, preferably from 1-20 micrometers and morepreferably 2-10 micrometers.

If desired, any of the foregoing film layers can contain othermaterials, such as processing aids, release agents, deglossing agents,antifoam agents, and the like. The use of these and other like materialsis well known to those having ordinary skill in the art.

Representative binders and powdered thermoplastic polymers are asfollows:

Binder A

Binder A is Michem® 58035, supplied by Michelman, Inc., Cincinnati,Ohio. This is a 35 percent solids dispersion of Allied Chemical's AC580, which is approximately 10 percent acrylic acid and 90 percentethylene. The polymer reportedly has a softening point of 102° C. and aBrookfield viscosity of 0.65 pa s (650 centipoise) at 140° C.

Binder B

This binder is Michem® Prime 4983 (Michelman, Inc., Cincinnati, Ohio).The binder is a 25 percent solide dispersion of Primacor® 5983 made byDow Chemical 20 Company. The polymer contains 20 percent acrylic acidand 80 percent ethylene. The copolymer has a Vicat softening point of43° C. and a ring and ball softening point of 100° C. The melt index ofthe copolymer is 500 g/10 minutes (determined in accordance with ASTMD-1238).

Binder C

Binder C is Michem® 4990 (Michelman, Inc. Cincinnati, Ohio). Thematerial is 35 percent solids dispersion of Primacor® 5990 made by DowChemical Company. Primacor® 5990 is a copolymer of 20 percent acrylicacid and 80 percent ethylene. It is similar to Primacor® 5983 (seeBinder B), except that the ring and ball softening point is 93° C. Thecopolymer has a melt index of 1,300 g/10 minutes and Vicat softeningpoint of 39° C.

Binder D

This binder is Michem® 37140, a 40 percent solids dispersion of aHoechst-Celanese high density polyethylene. The polymer is reported tohave a melting point of 100° C.

Binder E

This binder is Michem® 32535 which is an emulsion of Allied ChemicalCompany's AC-325, a high density polyethylene. The melting point of thepolymer is about 138° C. Michem® 32535 is supplied by Michelman, Inc.,Cincinnati, Ohio.

Binder F

Binder F is Michem® 48040, an emulsion of an Eastman Chemical Companymicrocrystalline wax having a melting point of 88° C. The supplier isMichelman, Inc., Cincinnati, Ohio.

Powdered Thermoplastic Polymer A

This powdered polymer is Microthene® FE 532, an ethylenevinyl acetatecopolymer supplied by Quantum Industries, Cincinnati, Ohio. The particlesize is reported to be 20 micrometers. The vicat softening point is 75°C. and the melt index is 9 g/10 minutes.

Powdered Thermoplastic Polymer B

Powdered Thermoplastic Polymer B is Aqua Polysilk 19. It is a micronizedpolyethylene wax containing some polytetrafluoroethylene. The averageparticle size is 18 micrometers and the melting point of the polymer is102°-118° C. The material is supplied by Micro Powders, Inc., Scarsdale,N.Y.

Powdered Thermoplastic Polymer C

This material is Microthene® FN-500, a polyethylene powder supplied byUSI Chemicals Co., Cincinnati, Ohio. The material has a particle size of20 micrometers, a Vicat softening point of 83° C., and a melt index of22 g/10 minutes.

Powdered Thermoplastic Polymer D

This polymer is Aquawax 114, supplied by Micro Powders, Inc., Scarsdale,N.Y. The polymer has a reported melting point of 91°-93° C. and anaverage particle size of 3.5 micrometers; the maximum particle size isstated to be 13 micrometers.

Powdered Thermoplastic Polymer E

Powdered Thermoplastic Polymer E is Corvel® 23-9030, a clear polyesterfrom the Powder Coatings Group of the Morton Chemical Division, MortonThiokol, Inc., Reading, Pa.

Powdered Thermoplastic Polymer F

This material is Corvel® natural nylon 20-9001, also supplied by MortonThiokol, Inc.

Powdered Thermoplastic Polymer G

This polymer powder is Corvel® clear epoxy 13-9020, supplied by MortonThiokol, Inc.

Powdered Thermoplastic Polymer H

Powdered Thermoplastic Polymer H is AClyn® 246A, which has a meltingtemperature of about 95° C. as determined by differential scanningcalorimetry. The polymer is an ethylene-acrylic acid magnesium ionomer.The material is supplied by Allied-Signal, Inc., Morristown, N.J.

Powdered Thermoplastic Polymer I

This polymer is AC-316A, an oxidized high density polyethylene. Thematerial is supplied by Allied Chemical Company, Morristown, N.J.

Powdered Thermoplastic Polymer J

This polymer is Texture 5380, supplied by Shamrock Technologies, Inc.,Newark, N.J. It is powdered polypropylene having a melting point of 165°C. and an average particle size of 40 micrometers.

The binders and thermoplastic polymers may be combined and blended asdesired. For example, Binder A (e.g. 80 parts) may be blended withpowdered thermoplastic polymer A (e.g. 80 parts) and optionally with afluorocarbon dispersion such as Zonyl 7040 (e.g. 0.20 parts) obtainedfrom Du Pont. Another example includes combining Binder B (e.g. 400parts) and Polymer B (e.g. 70 parts) and blending in a standardlaboratory colloid mill. Also, Binder A (e.g. 286 parts) may be combinedwith Polymer C (e.g. 65 parts). Binder B (e.g. 400 parts) may becombined with Polymer D (e.g. 70 parts). Binder C (e.g. 200 parts) maybe combined with Polymer E (e.g. 35 parts) and optionally with propyleneglycol (e.g. 20 parts) and water (e.g. 20 parts). Similarly, Binder C(e.g. 200 parts) may be combined with Polymer F (e.g. 54 parts) andoptionally with propylene glycol (e.g. 20 parts) and water (e.g. 20parts). Also, Binder A (e.g. 200 parts) may be combined with Polymer G(e.g. 30 parts) and optionally with propylene glycol (e.g. 20 parts) andwater (e.g. 20 parts). Binder D (e.g. 200 parts) may be combined withPolymer H (e.g. 30 parts) and optionally water (e.g. 40 parts) andblended. Binder A (e.g. 286 parts) may be combined with Polymer J (e.g.40 parts) and optionally with propylene glycol (e.g. 50 parts).

The carrier material is present in sufficient quantity so as to providea colorfast image when transferred to the receptor surface and toprovide for the desired transfer. More specifically, the carrier of theinvention may be preferably present in an amount of at least 50% bycoating weight based on the total weight of the layers present in theimaging element (excluding support). For instance, at least 10% byweight of the thermoplastic based on the total weight of the layer andat least 40% by weight of the binder based on the total weight of thelayer may be present in the layer. This leaves 50% by weight based onthe total weight of the layer available for other components such asmicrocapsules, developer or both. If necessary, multilayer systems canbe used. In such an imaging element, the layer or layers closest to thesupport may contain the carrier of the invention, whereas the uppermostlayer or layers may contain conventional carrier(s), or a mixture of thecarrier of the invention and conventional carrier. In this way, thebottom-most layer(s) basically serve as the transfer layer(s), withoutthe need of an additional transfer layer(s).

Therefore, if one layer is present, 50% by coating weight based on thetotal weight of the layer may be carrier. If two layers are present, thecarrier may be present in an amount of 50% by weight based on the totalweight of the two layers. If three layers are present, the carrier maybe present in an amount of 50% by weight based on the total weight ofthe three layers, and so on.

Referring to FIG. 1, there is generally illustrated a cross-sectionalview of the element 10 of the present invention. The element 10comprises a suitable support or substrate 20 which may be any type ofmaterial ordinarily used as a support for imaging materials. Examplesthereof include cellulose acetate films, cellulose acetate propionatefilms, cellulose nitrate films, cellulose acetate butyrate films,polyethylene terephthalate films, polystyrene films, polycarbonatefilms, and laminated sheets of these films, and papers. Suitable papersinclude papers coated with a polymer of an alpha olefin and preferablyan alpha olefin having 2 to 10 carbon atoms, such as polyethylene,polypropylene, etc., and baryta coated papers, etc. The only limitationon the support is that it must separate from the carrier material 30upon application of heat. If conventional polyolefin paper interfereswith transfer due to poor separation from the carrier material, fiberbased paper which does not contain a resin coated layer nearest thesupport layer or on both surfaces is preferably used.

The microcapsule layer(s) containing the carrier of the invention may beoptionally coated on known transfer papers such as a transfer papermanufactured by Kimberly-Clark Corporation under the trademark“TRANSEEZE”.

An imaging support or substrate may be coated with the desiredmicrocapsules in a conventional manner by methods known to one ofordinary skill in the art. The carrier of the present invention maysimply be substituted for conventional carrier(s), or mixed withconventional carrier(s), or may replace the conventional carrier in thebottom-most layer(s) in contact with the support. In the latterembodiment, the number of bottom-most layers which should be replaced iseasily determined by first replacing the bottom-most layer and thenoptionally subsequent layers in order to ensure adequate transfer andadhesion.

One preferred application of this invention is directed to transferelements capable of producing multicolor dye images. Such a transferelement comprises a support and a plurality of color forming layerscoated thereon. The color forming layers include at least one bluerecording yellow dye image forming layer, at least one green recordingmagenta dye image forming layer, and at least one red recording cyan dyeimage forming layer. Interlayers may be positioned between the colorforming layers. Each image forming layer includes at least onemicrocapsule layer. The interlayers may contain 100% carrier of theinvention, or may contain conventional materials, or a combinationthereof.

Accordingly, the present invention is directed to an imaging system(e.g. donor sheet or a self-contained single sheet system), whichcomprises a support having a front and rear surface, a layer of eithermicrocapsules (e.g. photosensitive; heat-sensitive; color forming), ordeveloper or both, at least one of the layer(s) of microcapsules ordeveloper contains the carrier of the invention, and an optional layerof clear thermoplastic material.

The carrier of the present invention is applicable to any imaging systembased on photosensitive or heat-sensitive encapsulates. Thus, in animaging system comprising (i) an imaging sheet and developer (e.g.generally for photosensitive microcapsules) material carried on saidimaging sheet, or (ii) an imaging sheet and a developer (e.g. generallyfor photosensitive microcapsules) carried on a separate developer sheet,the imaging sheet having a layer of an encapsulated radiation curablephotosensitive or heat sensitive composition, said imaging systemcapable of forming images by image-wise exposing said imaging sheet toradiation actinic with respect to said photosensitive or with heat forthe heat sensitive composition, and rupturing or otherwise dissolvingcapsules in the presence of said developer material to form an image,wherein the improvement comprises at least one layer of (e.g.photosensitive or heat sensitive) microcapsules, or at least one layerof (e.g. photosensitive or heat sensitive) microcapsules and developer(e.g. generally for photosensitive microcapsules) in the same layer, orat least one layer of microcapsules and developer in separate layers, onsaid front surface of the support, wherein said microcapsules, ordeveloper or both are dispersed in a carrier, said carrier preferablyhaving a melting point of at least 100° C., and which is capable oftransferring and adhering developed image and non-image areas from saidfront surface of said support upon the application of heat energy to therear surface of the support, said carrier strips from said front surfaceof the support by liquefying and releasing from said support whenheated, said liquefied carrier providing adherence to a receptor elementby flowing onto said receptor element and solidifying thereon, saidadherence does not require an external (e.g. surface) adhesive layer andpreferably occurs in an area at least coextensive with the area of saidmicrocapsules, with the proviso that the carrier is not capable ofreacting (e.g. with a color precursor) to form an image, and an optionallayer of clear thermoplastic material. Preferably, the particle size ofthe carrier is the same or smaller than that of the microcapsules, forexample, from 1-20 micrometers.

The present invention further relates to a developer sheet whichcomprises a support having a front and rear surface, and an optionaldeveloper material capable of reacting with a color forming substance toform an image dispersed in the carrier of the invention.

Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to an imagingsheet useful in forming images onto a receptor surface, said sheetcomprising: a support having a front and rear surface, a plurality ofphotosensitive or heat sensitive microcapsules and an optional developeron the surface thereof, said microcapsules and said developer beingpresent on the same layer or in contiguous layers on the surface of saidsupport, wherein when both said microcapsules and developer are presentin the same layer, said same layer comprises the carrier of theinvention, and when the developer and microcapsules are present indifferent layers, at least one of the different layers comprises thecarrier of the invention, said microcapsules containing a color formerwhich is capable of reacting with said developer and forming a visibledye image, said imaging sheet being useful for transferring image andnon-image areas onto a receptor surface. In this embodiment, thedeveloper may be a thermoplastic developer-containing resin. Moreover,the microcapsules may contain an internal phase which includes aphotosensitive composition which changes in viscosity in response toexposure to actinic radiation.

The present invention further relates of a method of transferring imageand non-image areas to a receptor element, which comprises the steps of:

(a) exposing image-wise any of the imaging sheets of the inventionhaving a front surface and a rear surface,

(b) developing the image-wise exposed element to form an image,

(c) positioning the front surface of the developed element orpositioning the undeveloped element prior to development against areceptor element, said developed element or undeveloped elementcontaining the carrier of the invention, and

(d) applying heat to the rear surface of the developed or undevelopedelement to transfer the developed image and non-image area to thereceptor element.

The present invention is further directed to the photosensitive imagingsystem and self-contained imaging sheet of U.S. Pat. No. 4,440,846,which further comprises the carrier of the present invention.

More specifically, the present invention is directed to a photosensitiveimaging system in which images are formed by image-wise reaction of oneor more chromogenic materials and a developer, said system comprising:

a substrate having front and back surfaces,

a chromogenic material,

a radiation curable composition which undergoes an increase in viscosityupon exposure to actinic radiation,

a coating containing said chromogenic material and said radiationcurable composition on one of said front and back surfaces, and

a developer material capable of reacting with said chromogenic materialto form a visible image,

wherein either the layer containing said coating or developer material,or both contains the carrier of the invention,

said radiation curable composition being encapsulated in rupturablecapsules as an internal phase,

wherein images are formed by image-wise exposing said coating to actinicradiation and rupturing said capsules in the image areas such that saidinternal phase is released from said capsules in the image areas andsaid chromogenic material and said developer react pattern-wise to forman image. The internal phase may be encapsulated in a microcapsulehaving a discrete capsule wall. The chromogenic material may beencapsulated with said radiation curable composition.

The invention further relates to a self-contained imaging sheet in whichimages are formed by image-wise reaction of one or more chromogenicmaterials and a developer material, said sheet comprising:

a substrate having a front and back surface,

a chromogenic material,

a radiation curable composition which undergoes an increase in viscosityupon exposure to actinic radiation,

a coating containing said chromogenic material and said radiationcurable composition in the carrier of the invention on one of said frontand back surfaces,

a developer material capable of reacting with said chromogenic materialto form a visible image codeposited on said substrate with said coatingcontaining said chromogenic material,

said radiation curable composition being encapsulated in rupturablecapsules as an internal phase,

wherein images are formed by image-wise exposing said coated substrateto actinic radiation, and rupturing said capsules in the image areassuch that said internal phase is released from said capsules in theimage areas and said chromogenic material pattern-wise reacts with saiddeveloper material to form an image. The internal phase may beencapsulated in a microcapsule having a discrete capsule wall. Thechromogenic material may be encapsulated with said radiation curablecomposition.

The present invention is also directed to the transfer imaging system ofU.S. Pat. No. 4,399,209, which further comprises the carrier of thepresent invention. More specifically, the present invention is directedto a transfer imaging system in which images are formed by image-wisereaction of one or more chromogenic materials and a developer, saidsystem comprising:

an imaging sheet comprising a first substrate,

a radiation curable composition which undergoes an increase in viscosityupon exposure to actinic radiation,

a coating on one surface of said first substrate comprising saidchromogenic material and said radiation curable composition optionallyin the carrier of the invention,

said radiation curable composition being encapsulated in rupturablecapsules as an internal phase, and

a developer sheet comprising a second substrate having a front and rearsurface,

a developer material containing the carrier of the invention on saidsecond substrate, said developer capable of reacting with saidchromogenic material to form an image on the surface of said secondsubstrate,

wherein images are formed by image-wise exposing said coating to actinicradiation, and rupturing capsules in the image areas with said coatingin facial contact with said developer sheet such that said internalphase is image-wise released from said ruptured capsules and there isimage-wise transfer of said chromogenic material to said developer sheetand a patterned image-forming reaction occurs between said chromogenicmaterial and said developer material. The capsule may be a microcapsulehaving a discrete capsule wall. The chromogenic material may beencapsulated with said radiation curable composition.

Moreover, the invention is directed to the transfer imaging system ofU.S. Pat. No. 4,551,407 which further comprises the carrier of thepresent invention. Thus, the present invention relates to a transferimaging system in which images are formed by image-wise reaction of oneor more chromogenic materials and a developer, said system comprising:

an imaging sheet comprising a first substrate,

a chromogenic material,

a photodepolymerizable composition which undergoes a decrease inviscosity upon exposure to actinic radiation,

a coating on one surface of said first substrate comprising saidchromogenic material and said photodepolymerizable compositionoptionally dispersed in the carrier of the invention,

said photodepolymerizable composition being encapsulated in rupturablecapsules as an internal phase, and

a developer sheet comprising a second substrate having a front and rearsurface,

a developer material containing the carrier of the invention on saidsecond substrate, said developer capable of reacting with saidchromogenic material to form an image on the surface of said secondsubstrate,

wherein images are formed by image-wise exposing said coating to actinicradiation, and rupturing said capsules in the exposed areas with saidcoating in facial contact with said developer sheet such that saidinternal phase is image-wise released from said ruptured capsules andthere is image-wise transfer of said chromogenic material to saiddeveloper sheet and a patterned image-forming reaction occurs betweensaid chromogenic material and said developer material. The capsule maybe a microcapsule having a discrete capsule wall. The chromogenicmaterial may be encapsulated with said photodepolymerizable composition.

In addition, the present invention relates to the photosensitive imagingsystem and self-contained imaging sheet of U.S. Pat. No. 4,536,463,which further comprises the carrier of the present invention. Thus, thepresent invention relates to a photosensitive imaging system (or,self-contained sheet) in which images are formed by image-wise reactionof one or more chromogenic materials and a developer, said system (orsheet) comprising a substrate having front and back surfaces,

a chromogenic material,

a composition which undergoes a decrease in viscosity upon exposure toactinic radiation,

a coating containing said chromogenic material and the carrier of theinvention, and said composition on one of said front and back surfaces,and

developer material capable of reacting with said chromogenic material toform a visible image,

said composition being encapsulated in rupturable capsules as aninternal phase,

wherein images are formed by image-wise exposing said coating to actinicradiation and rupturing said capsules in the exposed areas and saidchromogenic material and said developer react pattern-wise to form animage. The internal phase may be encapsulated in a microcapsule having adiscrete capsule wall. The chromogenic material may be encapsulated withsaid photosensitive composition.

The invention is further directed to the imaging sheet of U.S. Pat. No.4,822,714, which further comprises the carrier of the present invention.Accordingly, the present invention is directed to an imaging sheetuseful in forming images by exposure-controlled, image-wise reaction ofa chromogenic material and a developer, said sheet comprising:

a support having a front and rear surface,

a layer of microcapsules and the carrier of the invention on saidtransfer coating,

said microcapsules having discrete capsule walls which encapsulate aninternal phase,

said internal phase, including a photosensitive composition whichundergoes a change in viscosity sufficient to control the release of theinternal phase from said microcapsule,

a chromogenic material associated with said microcapsule such that, uponimage-wise exposing said layer of microcapsules to actinic radiation andsubjecting said layer of microcapsules to a uniform rupturing force,said chromogenic material image-wise becomes available for reaction witha developer to form an image.

Furthermore, the invention is directed to the imaging system of U.S.Pat. No. 4,416,966 which further comprises the carrier of the presentinvention. Thus, the present invention is directed to an imaging systemcomprising:

an imaging sheet and

a background dye or a combination of a dye precursor and a dye developerwhich react to form a background dye,

said imaging sheet including:

a support having a front and rear surface,

a plurality of capsules and the carrier of the invention in a layer onone surface of said support, and an internal phase contained within saidcapsules comprising a decolorizing agent and a photohardenable orphotosoftenable radiation sensitive composition,

wherein images can be formed by image-wise exposing said sheet toactinic radiation and rupturing said capsules such that saiddecolorizing agent is image-wise released from said capsules and reactswith said associated background dye to decolorize it or inhibits,prevents or reverses the color forming reaction of said dye precursorand dye developer to produce a color difference in the form of an image.

The invention is further directed to the imaging material of U.S. Pat.No. 4,788,125 which further comprises the carrier of the presentinvention.

The term “microparticle” is used herein to define a particle formed froman admixture of an image-forming agent and a photosensitive compositioncontaining a depolymerizable polymer. The term “microparticle” is to bedistinguished from the term “microcapsule” which is defined in U.S. Pat.Nos. 4,399,209 and 4,440,846 as a capsule having a discrete capsule wallor an encapsulated dispersion of a photosensitive composition in abinder.

Thus, the present invention is directed to an imaging materialcomprising a support having a front and rear surface, and a layer ofphotosensitive microparticles and carrier of the invention on onesurface of said support, said microparticles including an image-formingagent and a photosensitive composition containing a polymer which iscapable of undergoing cationically-initiated depolymerization and aphotoinitiator including a silver halide and an organo silver salt,wherein, after exposing said microparticle to radiation, saidmicroparticles, directly or with additional processing, release saidimage-forming agent or become permeable to a developer which reacts withsaid image-forming agent to form a visible image.

The microparticles may comprise a first set of microparticles containinga cyan image-forming material having a first wavelength sensitivity, asecond set of microparticles containing a magenta image-forming materialhaving a second wavelength sensitivity, and a third set ofmicroparticles containing a yellow image-forming material having a thirdwavelength sensitivity, said first, second, and third sensitivitiesbeing sufficiently different that upon exposing said imaging material toa first radiation, substantially only said first microparticles releasesaid image-forming material, upon exposing said imaging material to asecond radiation different than said first radiation, substantially onlysaid second set of microparticles release said image-forming material,and upon exposing said imaging material to a third radiation differentthan said first and second radiations, substantially only said third setof microparticles release said image-forming material.

The image-forming agent may be a colored dye or pigment.

The image-forming agent may be a chromogenic material and a developermaterial associated with said imaging material may be capable ofreacting with said chromogenic material and forming a visible image.

The first, second, and third radiation may be respectively red, greenand blue light.

Also, the present invention is directed to the color imaging system ofU.S. Pat. No. 4,842,976 which further comprises the carrier of thepresent invention. Thus, the present invention is directed to

a color imaging system comprising:

an imaging sheet having a front and rear surface, and dry developermaterial dispersed in the carrier of the invention and carried on saidimaging sheet, or

an imaging sheet, a separate image receiving developer sheet having afront and rear surface and a dry developer material dispersed in thecarrier of the invention on said front surface,

said imaging sheet having on the front surface thereof a coatingcomprising a cyan color precursor,

a radiation curable photosensitive composition associated with said cyancolor precursor,

a magenta color precursor,

a radiation curable photosensitive composition associated with saidmagenta color precursor,

a yellow color precursor, and

a radiation curable photosensitive composition associated with saidyellow color precursor,

said radiation curable photosensitive compositions having distinctsensitivities and being encapsulated in pressure rupturable capsules asan internal phase,

said capsules having discrete capsule walls,

said cyan, magenta and yellow color precursors being soluble in saidassociated photosensitive compositions or solvents for said colorprecursors being encapsulated with said associated photosensitivecompositions and

said color precursors being present in said capsules with saidphotosensitive compositions or in said discrete walls;

said imaging system being capable of forming images by image-wiseexposing said imaging sheet to radiation actinic with respect to saidphotosensitive compositions, and rupturing at least said capsulescontaining photosensitive compositions unexposed by said actinicradiation in the presence of said developer material to form an image byreaction of said color precursors with said developer material.

The cyan, magenta and yellow color precursors may be encapsulated inpressure rupturable capsules with their associated radiation curablephotosensitive compositions.

The invention is also applicable to “thermo-autochrome” technology ofFuji Photo Film Co., Ltd., such as direct thermal recording papercapable of full color imaging utilizing, for example, a diazonium saltcompound as a color forming material. As a result of the presentinvention, the thermo-autochrome materials will be capable of beingtransferred to a receptor element, thereby opening new markets notpreviously contemplated. The thermo-autochrome technology is well knownin the art.

In the preferred embodiment of the invention involving thermo-autochrometechnology, a light-fixable thermal recording material is prepared bycoating a heat responsive microcapsule containing a diazonium saltcompound, a coupler, an a reaction-accelerating organic base, along withthe carrier of the invention, optionally in one or more layers, on asubstrate. Upon heating, the coupler and organic base diffuse into themicrocapsule and a coupling reaction occurs to form an azo dye. Then,the entire print is irradiated with light, the wave length of whichcorresponds to the absorption of the diazonium salt compound. Unuseddiazonium salt compound is photo-decomposed and the image is fixed.

In another embodiment of the invention, a light-fixable thermalrecording material is prepared by coating a heat-responsive microcapsulecontaining an oxidizable dye precursor in combination with aphoto-radical generator, and a reducing agent (radical killer), pluscarrier of the invention, on a substrate optionally in one or morelayers. Upon heating, reducing agent diffuses into the microcapsule toform a latent image. The entire print is irradiated with light whereinthe wavelength thereof corresponds to the absorption of the radicalgenerator in each capsule, forming a radical. The radical is deactivatedin a heated microcapsule by the reducing agent which diffused into thecapsule, and no color formation occurs. The oxidizable dye precursor isoxidized by the radical (dehydrogenation) in an unheated microcapsuleand a color is obtained. Upon heating again, no color change occurs andthe print is fixed.

In another embodiment, a light-fixable thermal recording material isprepared by coating a microcapsule containing an organic cationic-dyeborate anion salt compound (e.g. colored compound) and an organic acidplus carrier of the invention optionally in one or more layers on asubstrate. Upon heating, organic acid diffuses into the microcapsule andreacts with the borate anion to form a latent image. The entire print isirradiated with light wherein the wavelength thereof corresponds to theabsorption of the dye salt. In an unheated capsule, the dye salt isactivated and decolorizes (photobleaching). The borate anion isdecomposed beforehand in a heated capsule and the photobleaching doesnot occur. Thus, photobleaching takes place in the unheated portion.Because photobleaching is irreversible, no color change occurs bysuccessive heating or irradiation with light, and the print is fixed.

In a further embodiment of the invention, a recording material isprepared by coating a heat responsive microcapsule containing a basicleuco dye (color former), a liquid vinyl monomer and a photo radicalgenerator, with a phenolic color developer and the carrier of theinvention, optionally in one or more layers, on a substrate. Uponheating, the color developer diffused into the microcapsule and reactswith the color former to form a dye. Then, the entire print isirradiated with light wherein the wavelength corresponds to theabsorption of the photo-radical generator, and the vinyl monomer in themicrocapsule polymerized and solidified.

In a still further embodiment of the invention, a recording material isprepared by coating a heat responsive microcapsule containing a basicleuco dye and a phenolic color developer having a polymerizable vinylgroup, along with the carrier of the invention, optionally in multiplelayers, on a substrate.

Of the above-mentioned methods, the diazonium salt compound method ispreferred. Usami et al., “The Development of Direct Thermal Full ColorRecording Material”, J. Inf. Recording, 1996, Vol. 22, pp. 347-357. Toobtain a full color print, the imaging material comprises a base support(e.g paper), a cyan color forming layer, a magenta color forming layer,a yellow color forming layer and an optional protective coating of theinvention. The carrier of the invention is incorporated into one or moreof these color forming layers. The innermost color forming layer iscomposed of a basic leuco dye and a phenolic compound developer, whichreacts to form a cyan dye, plus carrier of the invention. The basicleuco dye is encapsulated in a heat responsive microcapsule. Themagenta-color forming layer is composed of an encapsulated diazoniumsalt compound which decomposes when exposed to 365 nm ultraviolet light,an organic base, and a coupler, reacting to form a magenta azo dye. Theyellow-color forming layer is composed of an encapsulated diazonium saltcompound which decomposes when exposed to 420 nm ultraviolet light, anorganic base, and a coupler, reacting to form a yellow azo dye.

The heat-responsive microcapsule in the yellow-color forming layer has ahigh thermo sensitivity and therefore responds to low thermal energy.The heat-responsive microcapsule in the magenta-color forming layer hasa mid-range thermo sensitivity, and the heat-responsive microcapsule inthe cyan color forming layer has a low thermo sensitivity.

A full color print can be obtained in a five-step process. First, theyellow color forming layer reacts to low levels of thermal energy togenerate the yellow portion of the image. Second, the entire print isexposed with a 420 nm ultraviolet lamp which decomposes the diazoniumsalt compound remaining in the yellow-color forming layer. This exposurefixes the yellow-color forming layer. Third, the magenta-color forminglayer reacts to mid-range levels of thermal energy to generate themagenta portion of the image. Fourth, the entire print is exposed with a365 nm ultraviolet lamp, which decomposes the diazonium salt compoundremaining in the magenta-color forming layer. Finally, the cyan-colorforming layer reacts to high levels of thermal energy to generate thecyan portion of the image.

The diazonium salt compound in the yellow color forming layer has twophotosensitivity peaks, at 355 nm and 420 nm. The diazonium saltcompound in the magenta color forming layer has a photosensitivity peakat 365 nm. So, exposure with 420 nm ultraviolet light can selectivelydecompose the diazonium salt compound in the yellow color forming layer.A subsequent exposure to 365 nm ultraviolet can decompose the diazoniumsalt compound in the magenta color forming layer.

A diazonium salt compound gives both thermo sensitive and light fixableproperties to the yellow and magenta-color forming layers. The diazoniumsalt compound is dissolved in core oil and encapsulated in amicrocapsule. The diazonium salt compound is thus completely isolatedfrom the coupler and the organic base, making it stable over a longperiod of the time.

The coupler is used preferably in an amount of from 0.1 to 30 parts byweight per part by weight of the diazo compound. The organic base isused preferably in an amount of from 0.1 to 30 parts by weight per partby weight of the diazo compound.

The microcapsule's wall is preferably poly(urea/urethane). It is knownthat the poly(urea/urethane) wall membrane of a microcapsule becomespermeable above its glass transition temperature (Tg). When the colorforming layer is heated above the Tg of the capsule's wall, a couplerand an organic base instantly permeate the wall and react with thediazonium salt compound in a core oil to form dye.

All color forming materials must be water insoluble and oil soluble. Thediazonium salt compounds and the basic leuco dye are dissolved in coreoils and encapsulated. If the water solubility of these materials is toohigh, excessive amounts of the materials will escape to the outside ofthe capsule's wall. Leaking color forming material causes color formingreactions and increases background density. The couplers and thephenolic compound developers are also dissolved in a hydrophobic solventand emulsified in the carrier of the invention or in said carrier of theinvention/gelatin mixture. Water soluble couplers and phenolic compounddevelopers tend to diffuse into the other color forming layers and causeundesirable color forming reactions during imaging.

To make diazonium salt compounds water insoluble, a counter ion of thediazonium must be selected from hydrophobic groups such as C₈H₁₇SO₃ ⁻,PF₆ ⁻, BF₄ ⁻ or B (phenyl)₄ ⁻, and hydrophobic substituents must beintroduced to the structure.

The maximum wave length of a diazonium salt compound is controlled byintroducing a substituent group in an aromatic ring of abenzenediazonium structure. It is known that the introduction of anelectron-donating substituent group increases the maximum absorptionwave length.

The color hues of the azo dyes, which are formed in the yellow andmagenta-color forming layers, depends on both the diazonium saltcompounds and the couplers. The color hue of the basic dye; however, isalmost completely dependent on the basic leuco dye.

Additionally, if a silver salt is present in the imaging material thenthe silver salt is preferably a non-organic silver salt. Further, a dyedonating substance is preferably not present in the imaging material.

The image quality is evaluated with the FUJIX FOTOJOY PRINTER NC-1.

In the thermal processing transfer systems of the present invention, themelting point of the carrier material may be selected as desired. Forinstance, if it is desired that the carrier should not melt during theimaging of the thermal sensitive microcapsules, then the material chosenfor the carrier should have a melting point which will survive theimaging of the material. Then, the carrier will only melt duringtransfer of the image.

Heat sensitive recording materials are known in the art. Thus, theinvention is applicable to such materials and include, for instance,materials disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,494,772, 5,492,789, 5,304,452,5,661,101, 5,593,938, 5,543,260, 5,525,571, 5,514,636, 5,486,446,5,410,335, 5,409,880, 5,409,797, 5,407,777, 5,338,642, 5,328,796,4,857,941, 4,760,048, 4,464,376, and references cited therein.

The Thermo-Autochrome microcapsules according to the present inventioncan be prepared as detailed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,492,789, however, theseprocedures are merely illustrating and are not to be considered aslimiting.

In an embodiment of the present invention wherein Thermo-Autochrometechnology is employed the recording material may be prepared by coatinga support, such as paper, with at least one coating comprising thecarrier of the present invention, Thermo-Autochrome (e.g. light-fixableheat-sensitive) microcapsules, a coupler and an organic base. Thecoating procedure according to the present invention may be accomplishedby bar coating, blade coating, air knife coating, gravure coating, rollcoating, spray coating, dip coating, curtain coating and the like.Following each coating procedure, each layer is dried.

Recording on the (e.g. light-fixable) heat-sensitive recording materialof the present invention may be carried out as follows. The recordingmaterial is imagewise heated with a thermal head, etc. to soften thecapsule wall whereby the coupler and the organic base outside thecapsules enter the inside of the capsules to develop a color. After thecolor development, the recording layer is exposed to light having theabsorption wavelength of the diazonium salt whereby the diazonium saltdecomposes and loses its reactivity with the coupler. As a result, theimage is fixed.

Light sources for image fixation include various fluorescent lamps,xenon lamps, and mercury lamps. It is desirable for efficient fixationthat the emission spectrum of the light source substantially meets theabsorption spectrum of the diazo compound used.

A representative imaging sheet of the invention may be formed asfollows. A support is coated with a layer containing the carrier of thepresent invention, Thermo-Autochrome microcapsules, a coupler and anorganic base. This layer is then dried. A representative formulation ofThermo-Autochrome microcapsules, lacking only in the carrier of thepresent invention, is described in any one of Examples 3, 22, and 26 ofU.S. Pat. No. 5,661,101, and Examples 5 and 10 of U.S. Pat. No.5,543,260.

Another embodiment concerning Thermo-Autochrome technology and thepresent invention relates to an imaging system, which comprises:

a support having a front and rear surface;

at least one thermal recording layer comprising the carrier of thepresent invention and (e.g. light-fixable) thermal sensitivemicrocapsules coated on said front surface of the support,

wherein said thermal recording layer is capable of transferring andadhering an image formed by said microcapsules from said front surfaceof said support upon the application of heat energy to the rear surfaceof the support, said thermal recording layer strips from said frontsurface of the support by liquefying and releasing from said supportwhen heated, said liquefied thermal recording layer providing adherenceto a receptor element by flowing onto said receptor element andsolidifying thereon, said adherence does not require an externaladhesive layer, with the proviso that the carrier material is notcapable of reacting to form an image, and

wherein said thermal sensitive microcapsules are capable of separatingan inner phase within said microcapsules from an outer phase containedoutside said microcapsules, wherein said inner phase is capable ofreacting with said outer phase to create a color forming element.

In the Thermo-Autochrome imaging system explained above, theheat-responsive microcapsules have discrete capsular walls capable ofisolating said inner phase from said outer phase, wherein said innerphase, for instance, comprises a diazonium salt compound and said outerphase comprises a coupler and a reaction-accelerating organic base. Thisouter phase also comprises the carrier of the present invention.

In another embodiment concerning Thermo-Autochrome technology and thepresent invention, the imaging system explained above comprises animaging sheet useful in forming images by temperature controlledexposure of a said inner phase with said outer phase, said sheetcomprising:

a support having a front and rear surface;

a thermal transfer layer coated on said front surface of said support,comprising the carrier of the present invention and (e.g. light-fixable)thermal sensitive microcapsules, said microcapsules having discretecapsule walls which encapsulate said internal phase, said internalphase, including, for instance, a diazonium salt compound, said outerphase comprising, for instance, a coupler which upon an increase intemperature of said capsular wall diffuses into said microcapsule andreacts with said inner phase to form a color forming element.

According to the Thermo-Autochrome imaging system of the presentinvention said (e.g. light-fixable) thermal recording layer preferablycomprises three separate layers, wherein each layer is capable ofgenerating a color selected from the group consisting of yellow, cyanand magenta, with the proviso that each layer must generate a differentcolor. Said colors are generated in response to heat. Specifically, saidyellow color is generated in response to a thermal energy level which islower than the thermal energy level sufficient to generate said cyancolor. Additionally, said magenta color is generated in response to athermal energy level which is lower than the thermal energy levelsufficient to generate said cyan color and which is higher than thethermal energy level sufficient to generate said yellow color.

The yellow and cyan colors are fixed by exposure to ultravioletradiation. Specifically, the yellow color is fixed in response toradiation having a 420 nm wavelength and the cyan color is fixed inresponse to radiation having a 365 nm wavelength.

In another embodiment concerning Thermo-Autochrome technology and thepresent invention, the imaging system also relates to an imaging sheetuseful in forming images onto a receptor surface, said sheet comprising:

a support having a front and rear surface;

a transfer layer coated on said front surface of said support,comprising the carrier of the present invention and (e.g. light-fixable)thermal sensitive microcapsules, said microcapsules having discretecapsule walls which encapsulate said internal phase, said internalphase, including a diazonium salt compound, said outer phase comprisinga coupler which upon an increase in temperature of said capsular walldiffuses into said microcapsule and reacts with said inner phase to forma dye.

One preferred application of this invention with respect toThermo-Autochrome technology is directed to transfer elements capable ofproducing multicolor dye images. Such a transfer element comprises asupport and a plurality of color forming layers coated thereon. Thecolor forming layers include at least one blue recording yellow dyeimage forming layer, at least one green recording magenta dye imageforming layer, and at least one red recording cyan dye image forminglayer. Interlayers may be positioned between the color forming layers.Each image forming layer includes at least one microcapsule layer.

Accordingly, another embodiment concerning Thermo-Autochrome technologyand the present invention is directed to an imaging system, whichcomprises

a support having a front and rear surface;

a transfer layer comprising the carrier of the present invention and the(e.g. light-fixable) thermal sensitive microcapsules; and

an optional layer of clear thermoplastic material.

The transfer layer of the present invention is applicable to any imagingsystem based on thermal sensitive microencapsulates. Said systemcomprises

a support;

at least one transfer layer coated on top of said support, comprisingthe carrier of the invention and (e.g. light-fixable) thermal sensitivemicrocapsules,

said carrier preferably having a melting point of approximately 100° C.to 180° C., and which is capable of transferring and adhering an imagefrom said front surface of said support upon the application of heatenergy to the rear surface of the support, said carrier strips from saidfront surface of the support by liquefying and releasing from saidsupport when heated (and taking the formed image and non-image area withit), said liquefied carrier providing adherence to a receptor element byflowing onto said receptor element and solidifying thereon, saidadherence does not require an external (e.g. surface) adhesive layer,and

an optional layer of clear thermoplastic material, wherein the adherenceof the transfer layer to the receptor element preferably occurs in anarea at least coextensive with the area of said microcapsules, with theproviso that the carrier is not capable of reacting (e.g. with a colorprecursor) to form an image.

Another embodiment of the present invention relating toThermo-Autochrome technology is directed to an imaging sheet useful informing images onto a receptor surface, said sheet comprising:

a support having a front and rear surface;

a transfer layer on said front surface of said support, comprising thecarrier of the present invention and (e.g. light-fixable) thermalsensitive microcapsules.

The present invention further relates of a method of transferring animage to a receptor element, which comprises the steps of:

(a) forming the direct thermal recording image described above, saidimage being formed on a front surface of a support having a front and aback surface;

(b) positioning the front surface of said image against said receptorelement;

(c) applying heat to the rear surface of the support to transfer theimage to the receptor element.

The various layers of the imaging material are formed by known coatingtechniques, such as by roll, blade, curtain coating and air-knifecoating procedures. The resulting material, then is dried by means of,for example, steam-heated drums, air impingement, radiant heating, orsome combination thereof. Some care must be exercised, however, toassure that drying temperatures are sufficiently low so that theparticles of thermoplastic polymer present in the transfer layer do notmelt during the drying process.

The invention is illustrated in more detail by the followingnon-limiting examples:

EXAMPLE 1

Coating Solutions Formulation A:

62.8% Photosensitive Microcapsule at 31.2% solids

18.8% HRJ4098 phenolic developer resin (Schnectady Chemical Co.) at53.7% solids

3.0 Varion CAS surfactant at 10% solution

15.4% H₂O to make 30% total solids

The carrier plus Formulation A is blended together as follows:

Michem 58035 5 parts Michem 4983R 1 part Michelman Inc. 40-50%Formulation A 50-30% Microthene FE532 Quantum Ind. 10-20% or FN500

(Bead size 1-20 microns with a reported melting temperature of 80 to180C.)

The preparation of the photosensitive microcapsules is described in U.S.application Ser. No.: 755,400 filed Jul. 16, 1985 (U.S. Pat. No.4,904,645).

The coating solution and carrier is then coated onto a polyester supportwith a #12 coating rod and air gun dried.

The coated sheet is then image-wise exposed through a mask for 5.2seconds using a fluorescent light source.

The exposed sheet is processed at high pressure with a calendaring rollas described in Example 1 of U.S. Pat. No. 4,751,165.

EXAMPLE 2

Referring to FIG. 2, the method of applying the image and non-imageareas to a receptor element will be described.

The imaging sheet 50 is prepared, exposed and developed to form an imageas in Example 1. A receptor element (e.g., tee shirt 62) is laid flat asillustrated, on an appropriate support surface, and the front surface ofthe imaging sheet 50 is positioned on the tee shirt. An iron 64 is runand pressed across the back 52A of the imaging sheet. The image andnon-image areas are transferred to the tee-shirt and the support isremoved and discarded.

EXAMPLE 3

Considering % solids and color balance requirements, photosensitivemicrocapsules with initiators responding to 350 nm, 390 nm, and 470 nmare blended together.

Coating Formulation B:

59.4% capsule blend@33% solids

18.8% HRJ4098 phenolic developer resin@53.7 solids

3.0% Varion CAS@10% solution

18.8t H₂O to make 30% solids coating solution

The carrier plus Formulation B is blended together as follows:

Michem 58035 5 parts Michem 4983R 1 part Michelman Inc. 40-50%Formulation B 50-30% Microthene FE532 Quantum Ind. 10-20% or FN500

(Bead size 1-20 microns with a reported melting temperature of 80 to180C.)

For preparation of the microcapsules, reference can be made to U.S.application Ser. No. 755,400 filed Jul. 16, 1985.

The coating solution is coated onto a polyester support using a #12coating rod and air gun to dry. The coated sheet is then image-wiseexposed through color separation masks for 24,6 and 3 seconds at 350 nm,390 nm, and 470 nm, respectively. A 1000 watt Xenon arc lamp is usedwith filters to modulate the wavelength.

The exposed sheet is processed at high pressure through a calendarroller as described in Example 2 of U.S. Pat. No. 4,751,165.

EXAMPLE 4

A paper support which is not coated on both sides with polyethylene iscoated with a melt-transfer layer consisting of a mixture of Michem®58035R and Michem® Prime 4983R. Both materials are available fromMichelman, Inc., Cincinnati, Ohio. A ratio of four or five to one of58035R to 4983R is used. The basis weight of the melt-transfer layer is8 g/m². Michem® 58035R is a 35 percent solids dispersion of AlliedChemical's AC 580, which is approximately 10 percent acrylic acid and 90percent ethylene. The polymer reportedly has a softening point of 102°C. and a Brookfield viscosity of 0.65 Pas (650 centipoise) at 140° C.Michem® Prime 4983R is a 25 percent solids dispersion of Primacor®5985made by Dow Chemical 25 Company. The polymer contains 20 percent acrylicacid and 80 percent ethylene. The copolymer has a Vicat softening pointof 43° C. and a ring and ball softening point of 108° C. The melt flowrate of the copolymer is 500 g/10 minutes.

The melt-transfer layer then is coated with a carrier comprisingparticles of a thermoplastic polymer, a binder, and a cationic polymer,said carrier containing microcapsules as formed as in Example 1. Whenthe thermoplastic binder and/or the binder are the variables, thecationic polymer in every case is an amide-epichlorohydrin copolymer,namely, either Kymene® 557H or Reten® 204LS, both being supplied byHercules Inc., Wilmington, Del. The cationic polymer is included at alevel of 5 weight percent, based on the weight of the thermoplasticpolymer. The carrier is dried by heating at 80°-95° C. The basis weightof the carrier layer is 15 g/m².

In general, a minimum amount of binder is used. For example, 10 weightpercent of a polyacrylate, Rhoplex® B-15J (Rohm and Haas Company) may beused. Excess binder is expected to reduce the porosity of the carrierlayer and make it less absorbent. Another binder which may be used atthe 10 weight percent level is Michem® 58035, described above. Thebinder must be compatible with the cationic polymer. Two binders whichare more compatible with the cationic polymer and which yellow less thanthe Michem® 58035 are Airflex® 124 and Airflex® 125, both poly(vinylalcohol) stabilized ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers. The materials areavailable from Air Products and Chemicals, Inc., Allentown, Pa.

Several thermoplastic polymers may be used including Microthene® FE 532,an ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer supplied by Millenium ChemicalIncorp., Cincinnati, Ohio. The particle size is reported to averageapproximately 20 micrometers. The Vicat softening point is 75° C. Themelt flow rate of the copolymer is 9 g/lo minutes and it is reported tohave a density of 0.928 g/cm³. Another thermoplastic polymer isMicrothene® FN 500, a low density polyethylene powder also supplied byUSI Chemicals Co. The material has an average particle size of 20micrometers, a Vicat softening point of 83° C., a melt flow rate of 22g/10 minutes, and a density of 0.915 g/cm³.

The material is exposed, developed and transferred as in Example 2.

EXAMPLE 5

Example 1 is repeated, but using the following thermoplastic polymers:

Thermoplastic Polymer A

This polymer is Microthene® FE 532, described in Example 4.

Thermoplastic Polymer B

This material is Microthene® FN-500, also described in Example 4.

Thermoplastic Polymer C

Thermoplastic Polymer C is Corvel® 2093. It is a polyester. The averageparticle size is 20 micrometers, the melting point of the polymer isapproximately 80° C., and the melt flow rate is reported to be “high”.The material is supplied by Powder Coatings Group of the Morton ChemicalDivision, Morton Thiokol, Inc., Reading, Pa.

Thermoplastic Polymer D

This polymer is MP 22.

Thermoplastic Polymer E Thermoplastic Polymer E is MPP 611.

Thermoplastic Polymer F

This material is MPP 635, also a polyethylene supplied by Micro Powders,Inc. The average particle size of the polymer is 5 micrometers, themelting point is reported to be 124° C., and the melt flow rate is“high”.

Thermoplastic Polymer G

This polymer is Accumist® B6, supplied by Allied Chemical Company,Morristown, N.J. The polymer is a polyethylene having a melting point of126° C. The average particle size of the polymer is 6 micrometers andthe melt flow rate is “high”.

Thermoplastic Polymer H

Thermoplastic Polymer H is Accumist® B12, also supplied by AlliedChemical Company. The polymer is a high density polyethylene having amelting point of 126° C. The average particle size of the polymer is 12micrometers.

Thermoplastic Polymer I

This polymer is DPP 714, a polystyrene dispersion supplied by DowChemical Company, Midland, Mich.

Thermoplastic Polymer J

This material is Piccotex® LC55R, a styrene-methyl styrene copolymerdispersion supplied by Hercules, Inc.

Thermoplastic K

Thermoplastic Polymer K is DL 256, a polystyrene dispersion alsosupplied by Dow Chemical Company.

Thermoplastic L

This polymer is BN 4901X, a polystyrene dispersion available from BASFCorporation, Sarnia, Ontario, Canada.

Thermoplastic M

This material is Ropaque®, a polystyrene dispersion supplied by Rohm andHaas Company, Philadelphia, Pa.

Four different binders are used:

Binder A

Binder A is Carboset® 514H, a polyacrylate binder dispersed in water,supplied by B.F. Goodrich Company, Cleveland, Ohio.

Binder B

This binder is Rhoplex® B15, described in Example 15.

Binder C

Binder C is Michem® 58035, also described in Example 15.

Binder D

This binder is Marklube® 542, a cationic low density polyethyleneemulsion from Ivax Industries, Inc., Rock Hill, S.C.

The composition of the carrier layer is summarized in Table 1 below. Inthe Table, the “TP” column identifies the thermoplastic polymer byletter, the “Type” column identifies the binder by letter, and basisweights are given in g/m².

TABLE 1 Summary of Carrier Composition with Various ThermoplasticPolymers Binder Basis TP Type Wt. % Weight A A 10 21 A B 10 23 A C 10 23A C 20 23 B C 50 31 B C 10 23 C C 10 32 D C 10 30 E C 10 23 E C 12.5 28E C 12.5 8 E C 12.5 13 F C 10 23 F C 12.5 13 F C 18 11 F C 20 13 F D 2513 G C 18 13 H C 18 13 I C 10 17 J C 10 17 K C 10 8 L C 10 8 M C 10 8 MC 30 8 M C 40 8

EXAMPLE 6

Example 5 is repeated without the melt-transfer layer.

EXAMPLE 7

A base sheet of fiber based paper which is not coated with polyethyleneon both sides is coated with a low molecular weight polymer film layer,referred to hereinafter as the first layer. The next layer was a filmbased on a polymer having a higher molecular weight, referred tohereinafter as the second layer. Finally, the carrier (on top of thesecond layer) consisted mainly of low molecular weight polyethylene waxparticles, plus microcapsules as described in Example 1.

A number of multi layered samples (including the base sheet) areevaluated. In every case, the carrier layer consisted of 77 weightpercent MPP 635 (Thermoplastic Polymer F), 8 weight percent of BN 4901X(Thermoplastic Polymer L), 10 weight percent Michem® 58035 (Binder C), 4weight percent Reten® 204LS (cationic polymer), and 1 weight percentTriton® X-100, a surf actant, all based on the total weight of thelayer. These weights of binder, cationic polymer, and surfactant areequivalent to 12, 5 and 1 weight percent, respectively, based on theweight of thermoplastic polymer.

A preferred sample using this format contains the following:

First layer:

The layer consisted of 45 weight percent Michem® 4983 and 55 weightpercent Chemawax® 40. The layer is applied as a mixed latex. The basisweight of the layer was 8 g/m².

Second layer:

The layer, located adjacent to the paper, consisted of Epolene® C13which is formed by melt extrusion at a basis weight of 20 g/m². Thepolymer is a 200 melt flow rate low density polyethylene obtained fromEastman Chemical Products, Inc., Kingsport, Tenn.

Another material which may be used as the second layer and which can beextrusion coated on the paper base sheet is Nucrel® RX 62, supplied byE. I. Du Pont de Nemours and Company, Inc., Wilmington, Del. The polymeris an ethylene-methacrylic acid copolymer having 10 weight percentmethacrylic acid and a melt flow rate of around 500 g/10 min.

The material is exposed, developed and transferred as in Example 2.

EXAMPLE 8

This Example evaluates various cationic polymers. Two types of carrierlayers are employed, in which the cationic polymer is included as acomponent. Type A consists of Microthene® FE 532 (Thermoplastic PolymerA), 13 weight percent of Michem® 58035 binder (Binder C), based on theweight of the thermoplastic polymer, 1 weight percent Triton® X-100surfactant, and the cationic polymer. The basis weight of the layer is15 g/m². The Type B layer consists of MPP 635 (Thermoplastic Polymer F),18 weight percent of Michem® 58035 binder (Binder C), based on theweight of the thermoplastic polymer, 1 weight percent Triton® X-100surfactant, and the cationic polymer. The basis weight of the layer was13 g/m². When The Type B second layer is employed, a third layerconsisting of Michem® 58035 at a basis weight of 17 g/m² is employed,adjacent to the paper support. The various cationic polymers evaluatedare as follows:

Cationic Polymer A

Cationic Polymer A is Kymene® 557, an amide-epichlorohydrin copolymeravailable from Hercules, Inc.

Cationic Polymer B

This polymer is Calgan® 261LV, a quaternary polymer. It is availablefrom Calgon Corporation.

Cationic Polymer C

This material is Corcat® P145. It is a polyethyleneimine supplied byCordova Chemical Company.

Cationic Polymer D

Cationic Polymer D is Parez® 631NC, a polyacrylamide available fromAmerican Cyanamide.

Cationic Polymer E

This material is Betz® 1260. It is obtained from Betz Paperchem,Trevose, Pa.

Cationic Polymer F

This polymer is Reten® 204LS, an amide-epichlorohydrin copolymeravailable from Hercules, Inc.

Cationic Polymer G

Verona® C-300 from Miles Inc., Pittsburgh, Pa.

Cationic Polymer H

Aquaprox® UP103 from Synthron, Morgantown, N.C.

Cationic Polymer I

Tinofix® EW from Ciba-Geigy Corporation, Hawthorn, N.Y.

Cationic Polymer J

Reactofixe ES from Ivax Industries, Inc.

Cationic Polymer K

Protefix® TS, a cationic carbamide from Synthron.

In the table, the column “CP” Type” identifies the cationic polymer,whereas the column “Type” identifies the type of carrier employed, asdescribed above.

TABLE 4 Evaluation of Various Cationic Polymers CP Type Amount Type A 2A A 4 A A 6 A B 2 A B 4 A C 2 A C 4 A D 2 A D 4 A E 2 A F 5 A F 4 A F 8A G 8 B H 8 B I 8 B J 8 B K 8 B

Microcapsules as described in Example 1 are incorporated into thecarrier layer, which is coated on (i) a fiber base paper which is notcoated on both sides with polyethylene and (ii) transparent polyacetatefilm. The material is exposed, developed and transferred as described inExample 2.

EXAMPLE 9

The formulations involving Cationic Polymer F as reported in Example 8are modified further since yellowing may be encountered when images areheat transferred.

In the experiments, the paper base which is not coated on both sideswith polyethylene is extrusion coated with 44 g/m² of Nucrel® RX62, anethylene-methacrylic acid copolymer having a melt flow rate of 600 g/10minutes supplied by E. I. Du Pont de Nemours and Co., Inc. The secondlayer had a basis weight of approximately 13 g/m².

The binder employed in the carrier layer (e.g. containing microcapsulesas described in Example 1) is either Airflex® 124 (Binder E) or Airflex125® (Binder F). The binder is present at a level of 26 weight percent,based on the weight of the thermoplastic polymer. The cationic polymerused is Reten® 204LS, the humectant is Polyglycol® E200, a poly(ethyleneglycol) from Dow Chemical Company having a weight-average molecularweight of about 200; the humectant level is 10 weight percent, based onthe weight of the thermoplastic polymer. The surfactant is Triton® X-100at a level of 3 weight percent, based on the weight of thermoplasticpolymer employed. The fluid viscosity modifier is Polyox® N80 at a levelof 3 weight percent, also based on the weight of the thermoplasticpolymer. The thermoplastic polymers evaluated included micropowders MPP635 and Accumist® A-12, from Micropowders and Allied Chemical Company,respectively. The material is exposed, developed and transferred asdescribed in Example 2.

The experiments are summarized in Table 5. In the table, the “TP” columnidentifies the thermoplastic polymer by letter (see Example 5), the “WT.-% CP” column identifies the amount of Reten® 204LS employed in thesecond layer in weight percent, based on the weight of the thermoplasticpolymer, and the “WT.-% Acid” column identifies the amount of citricacid included in the carrier, in weight-percent based on the weight ofthe thermoplastic polymer.

TABLE 5 Summary of Cationic Polymer F Formulation Modifications SampleBinder TP Parts CP Wt.-% Acid 1 F H 8 None 2 F H 8 4 3 E H 8 None 4 F F8 None 5 F F 12 None 6 F F 16 None

EXAMPLE 10

As described above, the present invention also elates toThermo-Autochrome technology.

Coating Solution Formulation Y:

Coating solution formulation Y comprises the composition oflight-fixable thermal recording microcapsules according to Example 2 ofU.S. Pat. No. 4,771,032.

The carrier plus Formulation Y is blended together as follows:

Michem 58035 5 parts Michem 4983R 1 part Michelman Inc. 40-50%Formulation Y 50-30% Microthene FE532 Quantum Ind. 10-20% or FN500

(Bead size 1-20 microns with a reported melting temperature of 80 to180C.)

The coating solution and carrier is then coated onto a polyester supportwith a #12 coating rod and air gun dried. The recording material is thensubjected to the procedure described in the thermal recording SamplesU.S. Pat. No. 5,486,446 as follows.

Applied power to thermal head and pulse duration are set so that therecording energy per area is 35 mJ/mm². The writing (I) of theheat-sensitive recording material is conducted using Thermal head (KSTtype, a product of Kyocera K.K.)

Subsequently, the recording material is exposed to an ultraviolet lamp(light emitting central wavelength: 420 nm; output 40W) for 10 seconds.Applied power to the thermal head and pulse duration are again set sothat the recording energy per unit area is 62 mJ/mm², and writing (III)of the heat-sensitive recording material is conducted under thesetemperatures.

Furthermore, the recording material is exposed to an ultraviolet lamp(light emitting central wavelength: 365 nm; output: 40 W) for 15seconds. Applied power to the thermal head and pulse duration are againset so that the recording energy per unit area is 86 mJ/mm², and writing(III) of the heat-sensitive recording material is conducted under theseconditions.

Next, referring to FIG. 2, the method of applying the image to areceptor element will be described.

The imaging sheet 50 is prepared, exposed and developed to form an imageas described above. A receptor element (e.g., tee shirt 62) is laid flatas illustrated, on an appropriate support surface, and the front surfaceof the imaging sheet 50 is positioned on the tee shirt. An iron 64 isrun and pressed across the back 52A of the imaging sheet. The image andnon-image areas are transferred to the tee-shirt and the support isremoved and discarded.

EXAMPLES 11-15

Example 10 is repeated but this time the light-fixable thermal recordingmicrocapsule formulation Y is substituted with other light-fixablethermal recording microcapsule formulations as follows:

Example Source of light-fixable thermal Number recording microcapsuleformulation 11 Ex. 5 of USP 5,543,260 12 Ex. 10 of USP 5,543,260 13 Ex.3 of USP 5,661,101 14 Ex. 22 of USP 5,661,101 15 Ex. 26 of USP 5,661,101

All cited patents, copending applications, provisional applications, andpublications, referred to in this application are herein incorporated byreference.

The invention being thus described, it will be obvious that the same maybe varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as adeparture from the spirit and scope of the present invention, and allsuch modifications as would be obvious to one skilled in the art areintended to be included within the scope of the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. An imaging system, which comprises: a supporthaving a front and rear surface, and (i) at least one layer of heat orradiation sensitive microcapsules, or (ii) at least one layer of heat orradiation sensitive microcapsules and developer in the same layer, or(iii) at least one layer of heat or radiation sensitive microcapsulesand developer in separate layers, on said front surface of the support,wherein: (a) the heat or radiation sensitive microcapsules or (b) thedeveloper, or (c) the heat or radiation sensitive microcapsules anddeveloper, are dispersed in an effective amount of carrier particles orfilm for non-selectively transferring and adhering developed image andnon-image areas from said front surface of said support after saidimaging system is image-wise exposed and developed to form an imageprior to or upon the application of heat energy to the rear surface ofthe support, said carrier strips from said front surface of the supportby liquefying and releasing from said support when heated, saidliquefied carrier providing adherence to a receptor element by flowingonto said receptor element and solidifying thereon, said adherence doesnot require an external adhesive layer, with the proviso that thecarrier is not capable of reacting to form an image, and when the heator radiation sensitive microcapsules are present together in the samelayer as the carrier, and when the carrier comprises particles, theparticle size of the carrier is the same as or smaller than that of theheat or radiation sensitive microcapsules, and when said developer ismixed with the carrier without the heat or radiation sensitivemicrocapsules, the carrier is present in an amount so as to provide awashproof or wash resistant image if transferred to a receptor surface,wherein said carrier particles or film are substantiallyphotographically inert and act only as a binding agent, except that saidcarrier particles or film are capable of melting, transferring andadhering upon the application of heat, wherein the carrier iscumulatively present in all layers on said support in an amount fromabout 15 g/m² to about 30 g/m², and wherein the carrier is capable ofmelting, flowing and transferring said image and non-image areas to thereceptor at temperatures below 180° C., wherein when the carrier isdispersed with the developer in (b), the carrier comprises: (i)particles of a thermoplastic polymer having dimensions of about 1 toabout 50 micrometers, from about 10 to about 50 weight percent of afilm-forming binder, based on the weight of the thermoplastic polymer,and optionally from about 0.2 to about 10 weight percent of a fluidviscosity modifier, based on the weight of the thermoplastic polymer,wherein said particles of thermoplastic polymer melt in the range offrom more than 100° C. to about 180° C. when the developer is combinedin a layer without the heat or radiation sensitive microcapsules, butotherwise melts in the range of from about 100° C. to about 180° C.,(ii) about 15 to about 80 percent by weight of a film-forming binderselected from the group consisting of ethylene-acrylic acid copolymers,polyolefins, and waxes and from about 85 to about 20 percent by weightof a thermoplastic polymer selected from the group consisting ofpolyolefins, polyesters, polyamides, waxes, epoxy polymers,ethylene-acrylic acid copolymers, and ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers,wherein each of said film-forming binder and said thermoplastic polymermelts in the range of from more than 100° C. to about 180° C. when thedeveloper is combined in the layer with the carrier without the heat orradiation sensitive microcapsules, but otherwise melts in the range offrom about 100° C. to about 180° C., and particles of about 1 to about50 micrometers, (iii) a film forming binder selected from the groupconsisting of ethylene-acrylic acid copolymers having particles of about1 to about 50 micrometers, polyolefins, and waxes and which melts in therange of from more than 100° C. to about 180° C. when the developer iscombined in a layer with the carrier without the heat or radiationsensitive microcapsules, but otherwise melts in the range of from about100° C. to about 180° C., (iv) a thermoplastic polymer having particlesof about 1 to about 50 micrometers selected from the group consisting ofpolyolefins, polyesters, and ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers and whichmelts in the range of from more than 100 to about 180° C. when thedeveloper is combined in a layer with the carrier without the heat orradiation sensitive microcapsules, but otherwise melts in the range offrom about 100° C. to about 180° C., (v) a thermoplastic polymer havingparticles of about 1 to about 50 micrometers selected from the groupconsisting of polyolefins, polyesters, ethylene-vinyl acetatecopolymers, ethylene-methacrylic acid copolymers, and ethylene-acrylicacid copolymers and which melts in the range of from more than 100 toabout 180° C. when the developer is combined in a layer with the carrierwithout the heat or radiation sensitive microcapsules, but otherwisemelts in the range of from about 100° C. to about 180° C., (vi)particles of a thermoplastic polymer having dimensions of about 1 toabout 50 micrometers, from about 10 to about 50 weight percent of afilm-forming binder, based on the weight of the thermoplastic polymer,and from about 2 to about 20 weight percent of a cationic polymer, basedon the weight of the thermoplastic polymer, and wherein the carriermelts from more than 100 to about 180° C. when the developer is combinedin a layer with the carrier without the heat or radiation sensitivemicrocapsules, but otherwise melts in the range of from about 100° C. toabout 180° C., (vii) a film forming binder selected from the groupconsisting of ethylene-acrylic acid copolymers, polyolefins, and waxesand which melts in the range of from more than 100 to about 180° C. whenthe developer is combined in the layer with the carrier without the heator radiation sensitive microcapsules, but otherwise melts in the rangeof from about 100° C. to about 180° C., or (viii) a thermoplasticpolymer selected from the group consisting of polyolefins, polyesters,and ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers and which melts in the range offrom more than 100 to about 180° C. when the developer is combined in alayer with the carrier without the heat or radiation sensitivemicrocapsules, but otherwise melts in the range of from about 100° C. toabout 180° C.
 2. An imaging system, which comprises: a support having afront and rear surface, and at least one layer of heat or radiationsensitive microcapsules on said front surface of the support, whereinthe heat or radiation sensitive microcapsules are dispersed in aneffective amount of carrier particles or film for non-selectivelytransferring and adhering developed image and non-image areas from saidfront surface of said support after said imaging system is image-wiseexposed and developed to form an image prior to or upon the applicationof heat energy to the rear surface of the support, said carrier stripsfrom said front surface of the support by liquefying and releasing fromsaid support when heated, said liquefied carrier providing adherence toa receptor element by flowing onto said receptor element and solidifyingthereon, said adherence does not require an external adhesive layer,with the proviso that the carrier is not capable of reacting to form animage, and when the microcapsules are present together in the same layeras the carrier, and when the carrier comprises particles, the particlesize of the carrier is the same as or smaller than that of the heat orradiation sensitive microcapsules, wherein said carrier particles orfilm are substantially photographically inert and act only as a bindingagent, except that said carrier particles or film are capable ofmelting, transferring and adhering upon the application of heat, whereinthe carrier is cumulatively present in all layers on said support in anamount from about 15 g/m² to about 30 g/m², and wherein the carrier iscapable of melting, flowing and transferring said image and non-imageareas to the receptor at temperatures below 180° C.
 3. An imagingsystem, which comprises: a support having a front and rear surface, andat least one layer of heat or radiation sensitive microcapsules anddeveloper in the same layer on said front surface of the support,wherein the heat or radiation sensitive microcapsules and developer aredispersed in an effective amount of carrier particles or film fornon-selectively transferring and adhering developed image and non-imageareas from said front surface of said support upon the application ofheat energy to the rear surface of the support, said carrier strips fromsaid front surface of the support by liquefying and releasing from saidsupport when heated, said liquefied carrier providing adherence to areceptor element by flowing onto said receptor element and solidifyingthereon, said adherence does not require an external adhesive layer,with the proviso that the carrier is not capable of reacting to form animage, and when the heat or radiation sensitive microcapsules arepresent together in the same layer as the carrier, and when the carriercomprises particles, the particle size of the carrier is the same orsmaller than that of the heat or radiation sensitive microcapsules,wherein said carrier particles or film are substantiallyphotographically inert and act only as a binding agent, except that saidcarrier particles or film are capable of melting, transferring andadhering upon the application of heat, wherein the carrier iscumulatively present in all layers on said support in an amount fromabout 15 g/m² to about 30 g/m², and wherein the carrier is capable ofmelting, flowing and transferring said image and non-image areas to thereceptor at temperatures below 180° C.
 4. In an imaging systemcomprising (i) an imaging sheet and developer material carried on saidimaging sheet, or (ii) an imaging sheet and a developer carried on aseparate developer sheet, the imaging sheet having a layer of heat orradiation sensitive microcapsules, said imaging system capable offorming images by image-wise exposing said imaging sheet to radiationactinic with respect to said heat or radiation sensitive microcapsules,and rupturing or dissolving said heat or radiation sensitivemicrocapsules in the presence of said developer material to form animage, wherein the improvement comprises at least one layer of heat orradiation sensitive microcapsules or at least one layer of heat orradiation sensitive microcapsules and developer in the same layer, or atleast one layer of heat or radiation sensitive microcapsules anddeveloper in separate layers, on said front surface of the support,wherein the heat or radiation sensitive microcapsules or developer orheat or radiation sensitive microcapsules and developer are dispersed inan effective amount of carrier particles or film for non-selectivelytransferring and adhering developed image and non-image areas from saidfront surface of said support after said imaging system is image-wiseexposed and developed to form an image prior to or upon the applicationof heat energy to the rear surface of the support, said carrier stripsfrom said front surface of the support by liquefying and releasing fromsaid support when heated, said liquefied carrier providing adherence toa receptor element by flowing onto said receptor element and solidifyingthereon, said adherence does not require an external adhesive layer,with the proviso that the carrier is not capable of reacting to form animage, and when the heat or radiation sensitive microcapsules arepresent together in the same layer as the carrier, and when the carriercomprises particles, the particle size of the carrier is the same as orsmaller than that of the heat or radiation sensitive microcapsules, andwhen said developer is mixed with the carrier particles or film withoutthe microcapsules, the carrier is present in an amount so as to providea washproof or wash resistant image if transferred to a receptorsurface, wherein said carrier particles or film are substantiallyphotographically inert and act only as a binding agent, except that saidcarrier particles or film are capable of melting, transferring andadhering upon the application of heat, wherein the carrier iscumulatively present in all layers on said support in an amount fromabout 15 g/m² to about 30 g/m², and wherein the carrier is capable ofmelting, flowing and transferring said image and non-image areas to thereceptor at temperatures below 180° C., wherein when the carrier isdispersed with the developer alone, the carrier comprises: (i) particlesof a thermoplastic polymer having dimensions of about 1 to about 50micrometers, from about 10 to about 50 weight percent of a film-formingbinder, based on the weight of the thermoplastic polymer, and optionallyfrom about 0.2 to about 10 weight percent of a fluid viscosity modifier,based on the weight of the thermoplastic polymer, wherein said particlesof thermoplastic polymer melt in the range of from more than 100° C. toabout 180° C. when the developer is combined in a layer without the heator radiation sensitive microcapsules, but otherwise melts in the rangeof from about 100° C. to about 180° C., (ii) about 15 to about 80percent by weight of a film-forming binder selected from the groupconsisting of ethylene-acrylic acid copolymers, polyolefins, and waxesand from about 85 to about 20 percent by weight of a thermoplasticpolymer selected from the group consisting of polyolefins, polyesters,polyamides, waxes, epoxy polymers, ethylene-acrylic acid copolymers, andethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers, wherein each of said film-formingbinder and said thermoplastic polymer melts in the range of from morethan 100° C. to about 180° C. when the developer is combined in thelayer with the carrier without the heat or radiation sensitivemicrocapsules, but otherwise melts in the range of from about 100° C. toabout 180° C., and particles of about 1 to about 50 micrometers, (iii) afilm forming binder selected from the group consisting ofethylene-acrylic acid copolymers having particles of about 1 to about 50micrometers, polyolefins, and waxes and which melts in the range of frommore than 100° C. to about 180° C. when the developer is combined in alayer with the carrier without the heat or radiation sensitivemicrocapsules, but otherwise melts in the range of from about 100° C. toabout 180° C., (iv) a thermoplastic polymer having particles of about 1to about 50 micrometers selected from the group consisting ofpolyolefins, polyesters, and ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers and whichmelts in the range of from more than 100 to about 180° C. when thedeveloper is combined in a layer with the carrier without the heat orradiation sensitive microcapsules, but otherwise melts in the range offrom about 100° C. to about 180° C., (v) a thermoplastic polymer havingparticles of about 1 to about 50 micrometers selected from the groupconsisting of polyolefins, polyesters, ethylene-vinyl acetatecopolymers, ethylene-methacrylic acid copolymers, and ethylene-acrylicacid copolymers and which melts in the range of from more than 100 toabout 180° C. when the developer is combined in a layer with the carrierwithout the heat or radiation sensitive microcapsules, but otherwisemelts in the range of from about 100° C. to about 180° C., (vi)particles of a thermoplastic polymer having dimensions of about 1 toabout 50 micrometers, from about 10 to about 50 weight percent of afilm-forming binder, based on the weight of the thermoplastic polymer,and from about 2 to about 20 weight percent of a cationic polymer, basedon the weight of the thermoplastic polymer, and wherein the carriermelts from more than 100 to about 180° C. when the developer is combinedin a layer with the carrier without the heat or radiation sensitivemicrocapsules, but otherwise melts in the range of from about 100° C. toabout 180° C., (vii) a film forming binder selected from the groupconsisting of ethylene-acrylic acid copolymers, polyolefins, and waxesand which melts in the range of from more than 100 to about 180° C. whenthe developer is combined in the layer with the carrier without the heator radiation sensitive microcapsules, but otherwise melts in the rangeof from about 100° C. to about 180° C., or (viii) a thermoplasticpolymer selected from the group consisting of polyolefins, polyesters,and ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers and which melts in the range offrom more than 100 to about 180° C. when the developer is combined in alayer with the carrier without the heat or radiation sensitivemicrocapsules, but otherwise melts in the range of from about 100° C. toabout 180° C.
 5. The imaging system of claim 1, which comprises animaging sheet useful in forming images by exposure-controlled,image-wise reaction of a chromogenic material and a developer, saidsheet comprising: a support having a front and rear surface, a layer ofmicrocapsules dispersed in said carrier on said support, saidmicrocapsules having discrete capsule walls which encapsulate aninternal phase, said internal phase, including a photosensitivecomposition which undergoes a change in viscosity sufficient to controlthe release of the internal phase from said microcapsules, a chromogenicmaterial associated with said microcapsules such that, upon image-wiseexposing said layer of microcapsules to actinic radiation and subjectingsaid layer of microcapsule to a uniform rupturing force, saidchromogenic material image-wise becomes available for reaction with adeveloper to form an image.
 6. The imaging system of claim 1, in whichimages are formed by image-wise reaction of one or more chromogenicmaterials and a developer, said system comprising: a substrate havingfront and back surfaces, a chromogenic material, a radiation curablecomposition which undergoes an increase in viscosity upon exposure toactinic radiation, a coating containing said carrier and saidchromogenic material and said radiation curable composition on one ofsaid front and back surfaces, and a developer material capable ofreacting with said chromogenic material to form a visible image, saidradiation curable composition being encapsulated in rupturable capsulesas an internal phase, wherein images are formed by image-wise exposingsaid coating to actinic radiation and rupturing said capsules in theimage areas such that said internal phase is released from said capsulesin the image areas and said chromogenic material and said developerreact pattern-wise to form an image.
 7. The imaging system of claim 1,which comprises a self-contained imaging sheet in which images areformed by image-wise reaction of one or more chromogenic materials and adeveloper material, said sheet comprising: a substrate having a frontand back surface, a chromogenic material, a radiation curablecomposition which undergoes an increase in viscosity upon exposure toactinic radiation, a coating containing said carrier and saidchromogenic material and said radiation curable composition on one ofsaid front and back surfaces, a developer material capable of reactingwith said chromogenic material to form a visible image codeposited onsaid substrate with said coating containing said chromogenic material,said radiation curable composition being encapsulated in rupturablecapsules as an internal phase, wherein images are formed by image-wiseexposing said coated substrate to actinic radiation, and rupturing saidcapsules in the image areas such that said internal phase is releasedfrom said capsules in the image areas and said chromogenic materialpattern-wise reacts with said developer material to form an image. 8.The imaging system of claim 1, in which images are formed by image-wisereaction of one or more chromogenic materials and a developer, saidsystem comprising: an imaging sheet comprising a first substrate, aradiation curable composition which undergoes an increase in viscosityupon exposure to actinic radiation, a coating on one surface of saidfirst substrate comprising said chromogenic material and said radiationcurable composition and optionally said carrier, said radiation curablecomposition being encapsulated in rupturable capsules as an internalphase, and a developer sheet comprising a second substrate having afront and rear surface, a developer material dispersed in said carrieron said second substrate, said developer capable of reacting with saidchromogenic material to form an image on the surface of said secondsubstrate, wherein images are formed by image-wise exposing said coatingto actinic radiation, and rupturing capsules in the image areas withsaid coating in facial contact with said developer sheet such that saidinternal phase is image-wise released from said ruptured capsules andthere is image-wise transfer of said chromogenic material to saiddeveloper sheet and a patterned image-forming reaction occurs betweensaid chromogenic material and said developer material.
 9. The imagingsystem of claim 1 in which images are formed by image-wise reaction ofone or more chromogenic materials and a developer, said systemcomprising: an imaging sheet comprising a first substrate, a chromogenicmaterial, a photodepolymerizable composition which undergoes a decreasein viscosity upon exposure to actinic radiation, a coating on onesurface of said first substrate comprising said chromogenic material andsaid photodepolymerizable composition and optionally said carrier, saidphotodepolymerizable composition being encapsulated in rupturablecapsules as an internal phase, and a developer sheet comprising a secondsubstrate having a front and rear surface, a developer materialdispersed in said carrier on said second substrate, said developercapable of reacting with said chromogenic material to form an image onthe surface of said second substrate, wherein images are formed byimage-wise exposing said coating to actinic radiation, and rupturingsaid capsules in the exposed areas with said coating in facial contactwith said developer sheet such that said internal phase is image-wisereleased from said ruptured capsules and there is image-wise transfer ofsaid chromogenic material to said developer sheet and a patternedimage-forming reaction occurs between said chromogenic material and saiddeveloper material.
 10. The image system of claim 1, in which images areformed by image-wise reaction of one or more chromogenic materials and adeveloper, said system comprising a substrate having front and backsurfaces, a chromogenic material, a composition which undergoes adecrease in viscosity upon exposure to actinic radiation, a coatingcontaining said carrier and said chromogenic material and saidcomposition on one of said front and back surfaces, and developermaterial optionally dispersed in said carrier and capable of reactingwith said chromogenic material to form a visible image, said compositionbeing encapsulated in rupturable capsules as an internal phase, whereinimages are formed by image-wise exposing said coating to actinicradiation and rupturing said capsules in the exposed areas and saidchromogenic material and said developer react pattern-wise to form animage.
 11. The imaging system of claim 1, which comprises an imagingsheet useful in forming images onto a receptor surface, said sheetcomprising: a support having a front and rear surface, a plurality ofphotosensitive microcapsules and a developer on the surface thereof,said microcapsules and said developer being present on the same layeralong with said carrier or in contiguous layers on the surface of saidsupport wherein either a layer containing said microcapsules or a layercontaining said developer, or both contains said carrier, saidmicrocapsules containing a color former which is capable of reactingwith said developer and forming a visible dye image, said imaging sheetbeing useful for transferring images and non-image areas onto a receptorsurface.
 12. The imaging system of claim 1, which comprises: an imagingsheet and a background dye or a combination of a dye precursor and a dyedeveloper which react to form a background dye, said imaging sheetincluding: a support having a front and rear surface, a plurality ofcapsules dispersed in said carrier in a layer on one surface of saidsupport, and an internal phase contained within said capsules comprisinga decolorizing agent and a photohardenable or photosoftenable radiationsensitive composition, wherein images can be formed by image-wiseexposing said sheet to actinic radiation and rupturing said capsulessuch that said decolorizing agent is image-wise released from saidcapsules and reacts with said associated background dye to decolorize itor inhibits, prevents or reverses the color forming reaction of said dyeprecursor and dye developer to produce a color difference in the form ofan image.
 13. An imaging material comprising a support having a frontand rear surface, and a layer of photosensitive microparticles on onesurface of said support, wherein the microparticles are dispersed incarrier particles or film which is capable of transferring and adheringdeveloped image and non-image areas from said front surface of saidsupport upon the application of heat energy to the rear surface of thesupport, said carrier strips from said front surface of the support byliquefying and releasing from said support when heated, said liquefiedcarrier providing adherence to a receptor element by flowing onto saidreceptor element and solidifying thereon, said adherence does notrequire an external adhesive layer, with the proviso that the carrier isnot capable of reacting to form an image, and when the microparticlesare present together in the same layer as the carrier, and when thecarrier comprises particles the particle size of the carrier is the sameas or smaller than that of the microparticles, wherein said carrierparticles or film are substantially photographically inert and act onlyas a binding agent, except that said carrier particles or film arecapable of melting, transferring and adhering upon the application ofheat, wherein the carrier is cumulatively present in all layers on saidsupport in an amount from about 15 g/m² to about 30 g/m², and whereinthe carrier is capable of melting, flowing and transferring said imageand non-image areas to the receptor at temperatures below 180° C., saidmicroparticles including an image-forming agent and a photosensitivecomposition containing a polymer which is capable of undergoingcationically-initiated depolymerization and photoinitiator including asilver halide and an organo silver salt, wherein, after exposing saidmicroparticle to radiation, said microparticles, directly or withadditional processing, release said image-forming agent or becomepermeable to a developer which reacts with said image-forming agent toform a visible image.
 14. The imaging material of claim 13, wherein saidmicroparticles comprise a first set of microparticles containing a cyanimage-forming material having a first wavelength sensitivity, a secondset of microparticles containing a magenta image-forming material havinga second wavelength sensitivity, and a third set of microparticlescontaining a yellow image-forming material having a third wavelengthsensitivity, said first, second, and third sensitivities beingsufficiently different that upon exposing said imaging material to afirst radiation, substantially only said first microparticles releasesaid image-forming material, upon exposing said imaging material to asecond radiation different than said first radiation, substantially onlysaid second set of microparticles release said image-forming material,and upon exposing said imaging material to a third radiation differentthan said first and second radiations, substantially only said third setof microparticles release said image-forming material.
 15. The imagingsystem of claim 1 comprising: an imaging sheet having a front and rearsurface, and dry developer material dispersed in said carrier on saidimaging sheet, or an imaging sheet, a separate image receiving developersheet having a front and rear surface and a dry developer materialdispersed in said carrier on said front surface, said imaging sheethaving on one surface thereof a coating comprising a cyan colorprecursor, a radiation curable photosensitive composition associatedwith said cyan color precursor, a magenta color precursor, a radiationcurable photosensitive composition associated with said magenta colorprecursor, a yellow color precursor, and a radiation curablephotosensitive composition associated with said yellow color precursor,said radiation curable photosensitive compositions having distinctsensitivities and being encapsulated in pressure rupturable capsules asan internal phase, said capsules having discrete capsule walls, saidcyan, magenta and yellow color precursors being soluble in saidassociated photosensitive compositions or solvents for said colorprecursors being encapsulated with said associated photosensitivecompositions and said color precursors being present in said capsuleswith said photosensitive compositions or in said discrete walls; saidimaging system being capable of forming images by image-wise exposingsaid imaging sheet to radiation actinic with respect to saidphotosensitive compositions, and rupturing at least said capsulescontaining photosensitive compositions unexposed by said actinicradiation in the presence of said developer material to form an image byreaction of said color precursors with said developer material.
 16. Amethod of transferring image and non-image areas to a receptor elementwhich comprises the steps of: (a) exposing image-wise an imaging elementhaving a front surface and a rear surface of claims 1, 2, 3, 4 or 13,(b) developing the image-wise exposed element to form an image, (c)positioning the front surface of the developed element or positioningthe undeveloped element prior to development against a receptor element,said developed element or undeveloped element containing the transferlayer of the invention, and (d) applying heat to the rear surface of thedeveloped or undeveloped element to transfer the developed image andnon-image area to the receptor element.
 17. The imaging system of claim1, wherein the carrier comprises (i) particles of a thermoplasticpolymer having dimensions of about 1 to about 50 micrometers, from about10 to about 50 weight percent of a film-forming binder, based on theweight of the thermoplastic polymer, and optionally from about 0.2 toabout 10 weight percent of a fluid viscosity modifier, based on theweight of the thermoplastic polymer, wherein said particles ofthermoplastic polymer melt in the range of from more than 100° C. toabout 180° C. when the developer is combined in a layer without the heator radiation sensitive microcapsules, but otherwise melts in the rangeof from about 100° C. to about 180° C., (ii) about 15 to about 80percent by weight of a film-forming binder selected from the groupconsisting of ethylene-acrylic acid copolymers, polyolefins, and waxesand from about 85 to about 20 percent by weight of a thermoplasticpolymer selected from the group consisting of polyolefins, polyesters,polyamides, waxes, epoxy polymers, ethylene-acrylic acid copolymers, andethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers, wherein each of said film-formingbinder and said thermoplastic polymer melts in the range of from morethan 100° C. to about 180° C. when the developer is combined in thelayer with the carrier without the heat or radiation sensitivemicrocapsules, but otherwise melts in the range of from about 100° C. toabout 180° C., and particles of about 1 to about 20 micrometers, (iii) afilm forming binder selected from the group consisting ofethylene-acrylic acid copolymers having particles of about 1 to about 50micrometers, polyolefins, and waxes and which melts in the range of frommore than 100° C. to about 180° C. when the developer is combined in alayer with the carrier without the heat or radiation sensitivemicrocapsules, but otherwise melts in the range of from about 100° C. toabout 180° C., (iv) a thermoplastic polymer having particles of about 1to about 50 micrometers selected from the group consisting ofpolyolefins, polyesters, and ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers and whichmelts in the range of from more than 100 to about 180° C. when thedeveloper is combined in a layer with the carrier without the heat orradiation sensitive microcapsules, but otherwise melts in the range offrom about 100° C. to about 180° C., or, (v) a thermoplastic polymerhaving particles of about 1 to about 50 micrometers selected from thegroup consisting of polyolefins, polyesters, and ethylene-vinyl acetatecopolymers, ethylene-methacrylic acid copolymers, and ethylene-acrylicacid copolymers and which melts in the range of from more than 100 toabout 180° C. when the developer is combined in a layer with the carrierwithout the heat or radiation sensitive microcapsules, but otherwisemelts in the range of from about 100° C. to about 180° C.
 18. An imagingsystem, which comprises: a support having a front and rear surface, and(i) at least one layer of heat or radiation sensitive microcapsules, or(ii) at least one layer of heat or radiation sensitive microcapsules anddeveloper in the same layer, or (iii) at least one layer of heat orradiation sensitive microcapsules and developer in separate layers, onsaid front surface of the support, wherein: (a) the heat or radiationsensitive microcapsules or (b) the developer, or (c) the heat orradiation sensitive microcapsules and developer, are dispersed in aneffective amount of carrier particles or film for non-selectivelytransferring and adhering developed image and non-image areas from saidfront surface of said support after said imaging system is image-wiseexposed and developed to form an image prior to or upon the applicationof heat energy to the rear surface of the support, said carrier stripsfrom said front surface of the support by liquefying and releasing fromsaid support when heated, said liquefied carrier providing adherence toa receptor element by flowing onto said receptor element and solidifyingthereon, said adherence does not require an external adhesive layer,with the proviso that the carrier is not capable of reacting to form animage, and when the heat or radiation sensitive microcapsules arepresent together in the same layer as the carrier, and when the carriercomprises particles, the particle size of the carrier is the same as orsmaller than that of the heat or radiation sensitive microcapsules, andwhen said developer is mixed with the carrier without the heat orradiation sensitive microcapsules, the carrier is present in an amountso as to provide a washproof or wash resistant image if transferred to areceptor surface, wherein said carrier particles or film aresubstantially photographically inert and act only as a binding agent,except that said carrier particles or film are capable of melting,transferring and adhering upon the application of heat, wherein thecarrier is cumulatively present in all layers on said support in anamount from about 15 g/m² to about 30 g/m², and wherein the carrier iscapable of melting, flowing and transferring said image and non-imageareas to the receptor at temperatures below 180° C., wherein when thedeveloper is dispersed with said carrier in (b), the carrier comprises:(i) particles of a thermoplastic polymer having dimensions of about 1 toabout 50 micrometers, from about 10 to about 50 weight percent of afilm-forming binder, based on the weight of the thermoplastic. polymer,and optionally from about 0.2 to about 10 weight percent of a fluidviscosity modifier, based on the weight of the thermoplastic polymer,wherein said particles of thermoplastic polymer melt in the range offrom more than 100° C. to about 180° C. when the developer is combinedin a layer without the heat or radiation sensitive microcapsules, butotherwise melts in the range of from about 100° C. to about 180° C.,(ii) about 15 to about 80 percent by weight of a film-forming binderselected from the group consisting of ethylene-acrylic acid copolymers,polyolefins, and waxes and from about 85 to about 20 percent by weightof a thermoplastic polymer selected from the group consisting ofpolyolefins, polyesters, polyamides, waxes, epoxy polymers,ethylene-acrylic acid copolymers, and ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers,wherein each of said film-forming binder and said thermoplastic polymermelts in the range of from more than 100° C. to about 180° C. when thedeveloper is combined in the layer with the carrier without the heat orradiation sensitive microcapsules, but otherwise melts in the range offrom about 100° C. to about 180° C., and particles of about 1 to about20 micrometers, (iii) a film forming binder selected from the groupconsisting of ethylene-acrylic acid copolymers having particles of about1 to about 50 micrometers, polyolefins, and waxes and which melts in therange of from more than 100° C. to about 180° C. when the developer iscombined in a layer with the carrier without the heat or radiationsensitive microcapsules, but otherwise melts in the range of from about100° C. to about 180° C., (iv) a thermoplastic polymer having particlesof about 1 to about 50 micrometers selected from the group consisting ofpolyolefins, polyesters, and ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers and whichmelts in the range of from more than 100 to about 180° C. when thedeveloper is combined in a layer with the carrier without the heat orradiation sensitive microcapsules, but otherwise melts in the range offrom about 100° C. to about 180° C., (v) a thermoplastic polymer havingparticles of about 1 to about 50 micrometers selected from the groupconsisting of polyolefins, polyesters, and ethylene-vinyl acetatecopolymers, ethylene-methacrylic acid copolymers, and ethylene-acrylicacid copolymers and which melts in the range of from more than 100 toabout 180° C. when the developer is combined in a layer with the carrierwithout the heat or radiation sensitive microcapsules, but otherwisemelts in the range of from about 100° C. to about 180° C., (vi)particles of a thermoplastic polymer having dimensions of about 1 toabout 50 micrometers, from about 10 to about 50 weight percent of afilm-forming binder, based on the weight of the thermoplastic polymer,and from about 2 to about 20 weight percent of a cationic polymer, basedon the weight of the thermoplastic polymer, and wherein the carriermelts from more than 100 to about 180° C. when the developer is combinedin a layer with the carrier without the heat or radiation sensitivemicrocapsules, but otherwise melts in the range of from about 100° C. toabout 180° C., (vii) a film forming binder selected from the groupconsisting of ethylene-acrylic acid copolymers, polyolefins, and waxesand which melts in the range of from more than 100 to about 180° C. whenthe developer is combined in the layer with the carrier without the heator radiation sensitive microcapsules, but otherwise melts in the rangeof from about 100° C. to about 180° C., or (viii) a thermoplasticpolymer selected from the group consisting of polyolefins, polyesters,and ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers and which melts in the range offrom more than 100 to about 180° C. when the developer is combined in alayer with the carrier without the heat or radiation sensitivemicrocapsules, but otherwise melts in the range of from about 100° C. toabout 180° C..
 19. The imaging system of claim 1, wherein the carriercomprises particles of a thermoplastic polymer having dimensions ofabout 1 to about 50 micrometers, from about 10 to about 50 weightpercent of a film-forming binder, based on the weight of thethermoplastic polymer, and from about 0.2 to about 10 weight percent ofan viscosity modifier, based on the weight of the thermoplastic polymer,wherein said particles of thermoplastic polymer melt in the range offrom more than 100° C. to about 180° C. when the developer is combinedin a layer with the carrier without the heat or radiation sensitivemicrocapsules, but otherwise melts in the range of from about 100° C. toabout 180° C..
 20. The imaging system of claim 1, wherein the carriermelts from more than 100 to about 180° C. when the developer is combinedin a layer with the carrier without the heat or radiation sensitivemicrocapsules, but otherwise melts in the range of from about 100° C. toabout 180° C., and comprises particles of a thermoplastic polymer havingdimensions of about 1 to about 50 micrometers, from about 10 to about 50weight percent of a film-forming binder, based on the weight of thethermoplastic polymer, and from about 2 to about 20 weight percent of acationic polymer, based on the weight of the thermoplastic polymer. 21.The imaging system of claim 1, wherein the carrier comprises from about15 to about 80 percent by weight of a film-forming binder selected fromthe group consisting of ethylene-acrylic acid copolymers, polyolefins,and waxes and from about 85 to about 20 percent by weight of athermoplastic polymer selected from the group consisting of polyolefins,polyesters, polyamides, waxes, epoxy polymers, ethylene-acrylic acidcopolymers, and ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers, wherein each of saidfilm-forming binder and said thermoplastic polymer melts in the range offrom more than 100 to about 180° C. when the developer is combined in alayer with the carrier without the heat or radiation sensitivemicrocapsules, but otherwise melts in the range of from about 100° C. toabout 180° C., and said thermoplastic comprises of particles which arefrom about 1 to about 50 micrometers in diameter.
 22. The imaging systemof claim 1, wherein the carrier comprises a film forming binder selectedfrom the group consisting of ethylene-acrylic acid copolymers,polyolefins, and waxes and which melts in the range of from more than100 to about 180° C. when the developer is combined in the layer withthe carrier without the heat or radiation sensitive microcapsules, butotherwise melts in the range of from about 100° C. to about 180° C. 23.The imaging system of claim 1, wherein the carrier comprises athermoplastic polymer selected from the group consisting of polyolefins,polyesters, and ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers and which melts in therange of from more than 100 to about 180° C. when the developer iscombined in a layer with the carrier without the heat or radiationsensitive microcapsules, but otherwise melts in the range of from about100° C. to about 180° C.
 24. The imaging system of claim 1, wherein thecarrier comprises a thermoplastic polymer selected from the groupconsisting of polyolefins, polyesters, ethylene-vinyl acetatecopolymers, ethylene-methacrylic acid copolymers, and ethylene-acrylicacid copolymers and which melts in the range of from more than 100 toabout 180° C. when the developer is combined in a layer with the carrierwithout the heat or radiation sensitive microcapsules, but otherwisemelts in the range of from about 100° C. to about 180° C.
 25. Theimaging system of claim 1, wherein said layer of microcapsules containsthree sets of microcapsules sensitive to red, green and blue lightrespectively and said sets of microcapsules contain cyan, magenta andyellow image-forming agents, respectively.
 26. The imaging system ofclaim 1, wherein at least one layer of microcapsules and developer arein separate layers, and the microcapsules are dispersed in said carrier.27. The imaging system of claim 1, wherein at least one layer ofmicrocapsules and developer are in separate layers, and the developer isdispersed in said carrier.
 28. The imaging system of claim 1, wherein atleast one layer of microcapsules and developer are in separate layers,and both microcapsules and developer are dispersed in said carrier. 29.The imaging system of claim 1, wherein the microcapsules arephotosensitive.
 30. The imaging system of claim 1, wherein themicrocapsules are heat sensitive.
 31. The imaging system of claim 1,wherein the microcapsules contain a diazonium salt compound as a colorforming material, and the layer containing the microcapsules furthercomprises a coupler and a reaction-accelerating organic base.
 32. Animaging system, which comprises: a support having a front and a rearsurface; a transfer layer on said front surface of the support,comprising a carrier and thermal recording microcapsules, wherein saidthermal recording microcapsules are capable of creating an image, andwherein said carrier comprises at least one of: (i) particles of athermoplastic polymer having dimensions of about 1 to about 50micrometers, from about 10 to about 50 weight percent of a film-formingbinder, based on the weight of the thermoplastic polymer, and optionallyfrom about 0.2 to about 10 weight percent of a fluid viscosity modifier,based on the weight of the thermoplastic polymer, (ii) about 15 to about80 percent by weight of a film-forming binder selected from the groupconsisting of ethylene-acrylic acid copolymers, polyolefins, and waxesand from about 85 to about 20 percent by weight of a powderedthermoplastic polymer selected from the group consisting of polyolefins,polyesters, polyamides, waxes, epoxy polymers, ethylene-acrylic acidcopolymers, and ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers, wherein each of saidfilm-forming binder and said powdered thermoplastic polymer melts in therange of from about 100 to about 180° C. and particles of about 1 toabout S0 micrometers, (iii) a film forming binder selected from thegroup consisting of ethylene-acrylic acid copolymers having particles ofabout 1 to about 50 micrometers, polyolefins, and waxes and which meltin the range of from about 100 to about 180° C., (iv) a thermoplasticpolymer having particles of about 1 to about 50 micrometers selectedfrom the group consisting of polyolefins, polyesters, and ethylene-vinylacetate copolymers and which melts in the range of from about 100 toabout 180° C. or, (v) a thermoplastic polymer having particles of about1 to about 50 micrometers selected from the group consisting ofpolyolefins, polyesters, and ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers,ethylene-methacrylic acid copolymers, and ethylene-acrylic acidcopolymers and which melts in the range of from about 100 to about 180°C., wherein said transfer layer is capable of transferring and adheringan image from said front surface of said support upon the application ofheat energy to the rear surface of the support, said transfer layerstrips from said front surface of the support by liquefying andreleasing from said support when heated, said liquefied transfer layerproviding adherence to a receptor element by flowing onto said receptorelement and solidifying thereon, said adherence does not require anexternal adhesive layer, with the proviso that the carrier material isnot capable of reacting to form an mage.
 33. An imaging system accordingto claim 32, wherein said heat-responsive microcapsules are capable ofseparating an inner phase within said microcapsules from an outer phasecontained outside said microcapsules, wherein said inner phase iscapable of reacting with said outer phase to create colors which formsaid image.
 34. An imaging system according to claim 33, wherein saidheat-responsive microcapsules have discrete capsular walls capable ofisolating said inner phase from said outer phase.
 35. An imaging systemaccording to claim 33, wherein said inner phase comprises a diazoniumsalt compound.
 36. An imaging system according to claim 33, wherein saidouter phase comprises a coupler.
 37. An imaging system according toclaim 36, wherein said outer phase further comprises areaction-accelerating organic base.
 38. A method of transferring animage to a receptor element which comprises the steps of: (a) formingthe imaging system described in any one of claims 32-37 on the frontsurface of said support; (b) positioning the front surface of said imageagainst said receptor element; (c) applying heat to the rear surface ofthe support to transfer the image to the receptor element.
 39. A methodof transferring image and non-image areas to a receptor element whichcomprises the steps of: (a) exposing image-wise an imaging element,which comprises a support having a front and rear surface, and at leastone layer of heat or radiation sensitive microcapsules, or at least onelayer of heat or radiation sensitive microcapsules and developer in thesame layer, or at least one layer of heat or radiation sensitivemicrocapsules and developer in separate layers, on said front surface ofthe support, wherein the heat or radiation sensitive microcapsules orthe developer, or the heat or radiation sensitive microcapsules anddeveloper, are dispersed in carrier particles or film which is capableof transferring and adhering developed image and non-image areas fromsaid front surface of said support upon the application of heat energyto the rear surface of the support, said carrier strips from said frontsurface of the support by liquefying and releasing from said supportwhen heated, said liquefied carrier providing adherence to a receptorelement by flowing onto said receptor element and solidifying thereon,said adherence does not require an external adhesive layer, with theproviso that the carrier is not capable of reacting to form an image,and when the heat or radiation sensitive microcapsules are presenttogether in the same layer as the carrier, and when the carriercomprises particles, the particle size of the carrier is the same as orsmaller than that of the heat or radiation sensitive microcapsules,wherein when the carrier is dispersed with the developer alone, thecarrier comprises: (i) particles of a thermoplastic polymer havingdimensions of about 1 to about 50 micrometers, from about 10 to about 50weight percent of a film-forming binder, based on the weight of thethermoplastic polymer, and optionally from about 0.2 to about 10 weightpercent of a fluid viscosity modifier, based on the weight of thethermoplastic polymer, wherein said particles of thermoplastic polymermelt in the range of from more than 100° C. to about 180° C. when thedeveloper is combined in a layer without the heat or radiation sensitivemicrocapsules, but otherwise melts in the range of from about 100° C. toabout 180° C., (ii) about 15 to about 80 percent by weight of afilm-forming binder selected from the group consisting ofethylene-acrylic acid copolymers, polyolefins, and waxes and from about85 to about 20 percent by weight of a thermoplastic polymer selectedfrom the group consisting of polyolefins, polyesters, polyamides, waxes,epoxy polymers, ethylene-acrylic acid copolymers, and ethylene-vinylacetate copolymers, wherein each of said film-forming binder and saidthermoplastic polymer melts in the range of from more than 100° C. toabout 180° C. when the developer is combined in the layer with thecarrier without the heat or radiation sensitive microcapsules, butotherwise melts in the range of from about 100° C. to about 180° C., andparticles of about 1 to about 50 micrometers, (iii) a film formingbinder selected from the group consisting of ethylene-acrylic acidcopolymers having particles of about 1 to about 50 micrometers,polyolefins, and waxes and which melts in the range of from more than100° C. to about 180° C. when the developer is combined in a layer withthe carrier without the heat or radiation sensitive microcapsules, butotherwise melts in the range of from about 100° C. to about 180° C.,(iv) a thermoplastic polymer having particles of about 1 to about 50micrometers selected from the group consisting of polyolefins,polyesters, and ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers and which melts in therange of from more than 100 to about 180° C. when the developer iscombined in a layer with the carrier without the heat or radiationsensitive microcapsules, but otherwise melts in the range of from about100° C. to about 180° C., (v) a thermoplastic polymer having particlesof about 1 to about 50 micrometers selected from the group consisting ofpolyolefins, polyesters, ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers,ethylene-methacrylic acid copolymers, and ethylene-acrylic acidcopolymers and which melts in the range of from more than 100 to about180° C. when the developer is combined in a layer with the carrierwithout the heat or radiation sensitive microcapsules, but otherwisemelts in the range of from about 100° C. to about 180° C., (vi)particles of a thermoplastic polymer having dimensions of about 1 toabout 50 micrometers, from about 10 to about 50 weight percent of afilm-forming binder, based on the weight of the thermoplastic polymer,and from about 2 to about 20 weight percent of a cationic polymer, basedon the weight of the thermoplastic polymer, and wherein the carriermelts from more than 100 to about 180° C. when the developer is combinedin a layer with the carrier without the heat or radiation sensitivemicrocapsules, but otherwise melts in the range of from about 100° C. toabout 180° C., (vii) a film forming binder selected from the groupconsisting of ethylene-acrylic acid copolymers, polyolefins, and waxesand which melts in the range of from more than 100 to about 180° C. whenthe developer is combined in the layer with the carrier without the heator radiation sensitive microcapsules, but otherwise melts in the rangeof from about 100° C. to about 180° C., or (viii) a thermoplasticpolymer selected from the group consisting of polyolefins, polyesters,and ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers and which melts in the range offrom more than 100 to about 180° C. when the developer is combined in alayer with the carrier without the heat or radiation sensitivemicrocapsules, but otherwise melts in the range of from about 100° C. toabout 180° C., (b) developing the image-wise exposed element to form arimage, (c) positioning the front surface of the developed element orpositioning the undeveloped element prior to development against areceptor element, said developed element or undeveloped elementcontaining the transfer layer of the invention, and (d) applying heat tothe rear surface of the developed or undeveloped element to transfer thedeveloped image and non-image area to the receptor element.
 40. A methodof transferring image and non-image areas to a receptor element whichcomprises the steps of: (a) exposing image-wise an imaging element,which comprises a support having a front and rear surface, and at leastone layer of heat or radiation sensitive microcapsules on said frontsurface of the support, wherein the heat or radiation sensitivemicrocapsules are dispersed in carrier particles or film which iscapable of transferring and adhering developed image and non-image areasfrom said front surface of said support upon the application of heatenergy to the rear surface of the support, said carrier strips from saidfront surface of the support by liquefying and releasing from saidsupport when heated, said liquefied carrier providing adherence to areceptor element by flowing onto said receptor element and solidifyingthereon, said adherence does not require an external adhesive layer,with the proviso that the carrier is not capable of reacting to form animage, and when the heat or radiation sensitive microcapsules arepresent together in the same layer as the carrier, and when the carriercomprises particles, the particle size of the carrier is the same as orsmaller than that of the heat or radiation sensitive microcapsules, (b)developing the image-wise exposed element to form an image, (c)positioning the front surface of the developed element or positioningthe undeveloped element prior to development against a receptor element,said developed element or undeveloped element containing the transferlayer of the invention, and (d) applying heat to the rear surface of thedeveloped or undeveloped element to transfer the developed image andnon-image area to the receptor element.
 41. A method of transferringimage and non-image areas to a receptor element which comprises thesteps of: (a) exposing image-wise an imaging element, which comprises asupport having a front and rear surface, and at least one layer of heator radiation sensitive microcapsules and developer in the same layer onsaid front surface of the support, wherein the heat or radiationsensitive microcapsules and developer are dispersed in carrier particlesor film which is capable of transferring and adhering developed imageand non-image areas from said front surface of said support upon theapplication of heat energy to the rear surface of the support, saidcarrier strips from said front surface of the support by liquefying andreleasing from said support when heated, said liquefied carrierproviding adherence to a receptor element by flowing onto said receptorelement and solidifying thereon, said adherence does not require anexternal adhesive layer, with the proviso that the carrier is notcapable of reacting to form an image, and when the heat or radiationsensitive microcapsules are present together in the same layer as thecarrier, and when the carrier comprises particles, the particle size ofthe carrier is the same or smaller than that of the microcapsules, (b)developing the image-wise exposed element to form an image, (c)positioning the front surface of the developed element or positioningthe undeveloped element prior to development against a receptor element,said developed element or undeveloped element containing the transferlayer of the invention, and (d) applying heat to the rear surface of thedeveloped or undeveloped element to transfer the developed image andnon-image area to the receptor element.
 42. A method of transferringimage and non-image areas to a receptor element which comprises thesteps of: (a) exposing image-wise an imaging system comprising (i) animaging sheet and developer material carried on said imaging sheet, or(ii) an imaging sheet and a developer carried on a separate developersheet, the imaging sheet having a layer of heat or radiation sensitivemicrocapsules, said imaging system capable of forming images byimage-wise exposing said imaging sheet to radiation actinic with respectto said heat or radiation sensitive microcapsules, and rupturing ordissolving said heat or radiation sensitive microcapsules in thepresence of said developer material to form an image, wherein theimprovement comprises at least one layer of heat or radiation sensitivemicrocapsules or at least one layer of heat or radiation sensitivemicrocapsules and developer in the same layer, or at least one layer ofheat or radiation sensitive microcapsules and developer in separatelayers, on said front surface of the support, wherein the heat orradiation sensitive microcapsules or developer or heat or radiationsensitive microcapsules and developer are dispersed in carrier particlesor film which is capable of transferring and adhering developed imageand non-image areas from said front surface of said support upon theapplication of heat energy to the rear surface of the support, saidcarrier strips from said front surface of the support by liquefying andreleasing from said support when heated, said liquefied carrierproviding adherence to a receptor element by flowing onto said receptorelement and solidifying thereon, said adherence does not require anexternal adhesive layer, with the proviso that the carrier is notcapable of reacting to form an image, and when the heat or radiationsensitive microcapsules are present together in the same layer as thecarrier, and when the carrier comprises particles, the particle size ofthe carrier is the same as or smaller than that of the heat or radiationsensitive microcapsules, wherein when the carrier is dispersed with thedeveloper, the carrier comprises: (i) particles of a thermoplasticpolymer having dimensions of about 1 to about 50 micrometers, from about10 to about 50 weight percent of a film-forming binder, based on theweight of the thermoplastic polymer, and optionally from about 0.2 toabout 10 weight percent of a fluid viscosity modifier, based on theweight of the thermoplastic polymer, wherein said particles ofthermoplastic polymer melt in the range of from more than 100° C. toabout 180° C. when the developer is combined in a layer without the heator radiation sensitive microcapsules, but otherwise melts in the rangeof from about 100° C. to about 180° C., (ii) about 15 to about 80percent by weight of a film-forming binder selected from the groupconsisting of ethylene-acrylic acid copolymers, polyolefins, and waxesand from about 85 to about 20 percent by weight of a thermoplasticpolymer selected from the group consisting of polyolefins, polyesters,polyamides, waxes, epoxy polymers, ethylene-acrylic acid copolymers, andethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers, wherein each of said film-formingbinder and said thermoplastic polymer melts in the range of from morethan 100° C. to about 180° C. when the developer is combined in thelayer with the carrier without the heat or radiation sensitivemicrocapsules, but otherwise melts in the range of from about 100° C. toabout 180° C., and particles of about 1 to about 50 micrometers, (iii) afilm forming binder selected from the group consisting ofethylene-acrylic acid copolymers having particles of about 1 to about 50micrometers, polyolefins, and waxes and which melts in the range of frommore than 100° C. to about 180° C. when the developer is combined in alayer with the carrier without the heat or radiation sensitivemicrocapsules, but otherwise melts in the range of from about 100° C. toabout 180° C., (iv) a thermoplastic polymer having particles of about 1to about 50 micrometers selected from the group consisting ofpolyolefins, polyesters, and ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers and whichmelts in the range of from more than 100 to about 180° C. when thedeveloper is combined in a layer with the carrier without the heat orradiation sensitive microcapsules, but otherwise melts in the range offrom about 100° C. to about 180° C., (v) a thermoplastic polymer havingparticles of about 1 to about 50 micrometers selected from the groupconsisting of polyolefins, polyesters, ethylene-vinyl acetatecopolymers, ethylene-methacrylic acid copolymers, and ethylene-acrylicacid copolymers and which melts in the range of from more than 100 toabout 180° C. when the developer is combined in a layer with the carrierwithout the heat or radiation sensitive microcapsules, but otherwisemelts in the range of from about 100° C. to about 180° C., (vi)particles of a thermoplastic polymer having dimensions of about 1 toabout 50 micrometers, from about 10 to about 50 weight percent of afilm-forming binder, based on the weight of the thermoplastic polymer,and from about 2 to about 20 weight percent of a cationic polymer, basedon the weight of the thermoplastic polymer, and wherein the carriermelts from more than 100 to about 180° C. when the developer is combinedin a layer with the carrier without the heat or radiation sensitivemicrocapsules, but otherwise melts in the range of from about 100° C. toabout 180° C., (vii) a film forming binder selected from the groupconsisting of ethylene-acrylic acid copolymers, polyolefins, and waxesand which melts in the range of from more than 100 to about 180° C. whenthe developer is combined in the layer with the carrier without the heator radiation sensitive microcapsules, but otherwise melts in the rangeof from about 100° C. to about 180° C., or (viii) a thermoplasticpolymer selected from the group consisting of polyolefins, polyesters,and ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers and which melts in the range offrom more than 100 to about 180° C. when the developer is combined in alayer with the carrier without the heat or radiation sensitivemicrocapsules, but otherwise melts in the range of from about 100° C. toabout 180° C. (b) developing the image-wise exposed element to form animage, (c) positioning the front surface of the developed element orpositioning the undeveloped element prior to development against areceptor element, said developed element or undeveloped elementcontaining the transfer layer of the invention, and (d) applying heat tothe rear surface of the developed or undeveloped element to transfer thedeveloped image and non-image area to the receptor element.
 43. Animaging system, which comprises: a support having a front and rearsurface, and (i) at least one layer of heat or radiation sensitivemicrocapsules, or (ii) at least one layer of heat or radiation sensitivemicrocapsules and developer in the same layer, or (iii) at least onelayer of heat or radiation sensitive microcapsules and developer inseparate layers, on said front surface of the support, wherein: (a) theheat or radiation sensitive microcapsules, or (b) the heat or radiationsensitive microcapsules and the developer, are dispersed in an effectiveamount of carrier particles or film for non-selectively transferring andadhering developed image and non-image areas from said front surface ofsaid support after said imaging system is image-wise exposed anddeveloped to form an image, and upon the application of heat energy tothe rear surface of the support, said carrier strips from said frontsurface of the support by liquefying and releasing from said supportwhen heated, said liquefied carrier providing adherence to a receptorelement by flowing onto said receptor element and solidifying thereon,said adherence does not require an external adhesive layer, with theproviso that the carrier is not capable of reacting to form an image,and when the heat or radiation sensitive microcapsules are presenttogether in the same layer as the carrier, and when the carriercomprises particles, the particle size of the carrier is the same as orsmaller than that of the microcapsules, wherein said carrier particlesor film are substantially photographically inert and act only as abinding agent, except that said carrier particles or film are capable ofmelting, transferring and adhering upon the application of heat, whereinthe carrier is cumulatively present in all layers on said support in anamount from about 15 g/m² to about 30 g/m², and wherein the carrier iscapable of melting, flowing and transferring said image and non-imageareas to the receptor at temperatures below 180° C.
 44. The imagingsystem of claim 1, wherein the carrier is present in an amount so as toprovide a colorfast image when transferred to a receptor surface. 45.The imaging system of claim 2, wherein the carrier is present in anamount so as to provide a colorfast image when transferred to a receptorsurface.
 46. The imaging system of claim 3, wherein the carrier ispresent in an amount so as to provide a colorfast image when transferredto a receptor surface.
 47. The imaging system of claim 4, wherein thecarrier is present in an amount so as to provide a colorfast image whentransferred to a receptor surface.
 48. The imaging system of claim 13,wherein the carrier is present in an amount so as to provide a colorfastimage when transferred to a receptor surface.
 49. The imaging system ofclaim 32, wherein the carrier is present in an amount so as to provide acolorfast image when transferred to a receptor surface.
 50. The imagingsystem of claim 1, wherein the melting point of the carrier is at least100° C. when the carrier is used with the developer, but not with themicrocapsules.
 51. The method of claim 42, wherein the imaging elementis image-wise exposed and developed to form an image upon theapplication of heat energy to the rear surface of the support.
 52. Theimaging system of claim 1, wherein the carrier is cumulatively presentin the layers in an amount from about 20 g/m² to about 30 g/m².
 53. Theimaging system of claim 1, wherein the carrier is present in an amountof at least 50% by coating weight based on the total weight of thelayers present, excluding the support.
 54. The imaging system of claim1, wherein the imaging system is image-wise exposed and developed toform an image prior to the application of heat energy to the rearsurface of the support.
 55. The imaging system of claim 1, wherein theimaging system is image-wise exposed and developed to form an image uponthe application of heat energy to the rear surface of the support. 56.The method of claim 39, wherein the imaging element is image-wiseexposed and developed to form an image prior to the application of heatenergy to the rear surface of the support.
 57. The method of claim 39,wherein the imaging element is image-wise exposed and developed to forman image upon the application of heat energy to the rear surface of thesupport.
 58. The method of claim 40, wherein the imaging element isimage-wise exposed and developed to form an image prior to theapplication of heat energy to the rear surface of the support.
 59. Themethod of claim 40, wherein the imaging element is image-wise exposedand developed to form an image upon the application of heat energy tothe rear surface of the support.
 60. The method of claim 41, wherein theimaging element is image-wise exposed and developed to form an imageprior to the application of heat energy to the rear surface of thesupport.
 61. The method of claim 41, wherein the imaging element isimage-wise exposed and developed to form an image upon the applicationof heat energy to the rear surface of the support.
 62. The method ofclaim 42, wherein the imaging element is image-wise exposed anddeveloped to form an image prior to the application of heat energy tothe rear surface of the support.